Pakistan could face ICC sanctions after wearing banned Apple watches against England

Pakistan could face ICC sanctions after wearing banned Apple watches against England at Lord’s

  • Pakistan were caught up in an irregular incident on the first day at Lord’s
  • Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq were pictured wearing banned Apple watches
  • ICC do not allow smart watches to be worn as they can access the internet 

Pakistan, who have a history of cricket-related controversy, were caught up in another irregular incident at Lord’s on the opening day of the first Test.

Two of their players, Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq, were pictured wearing banned Apple watches — understood to be series one models — while in the field on Thursday.

The ICC do not allow these smart watches to be worn during play because it is possible to directly access the internet with them and therefore potential online betting sites.

Pakistan were caught up in another irregular incident against England at Lord’s on Thursday

Two players, Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq, were pictured wearing banned Apple watches

Two players, Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq, were pictured wearing banned Apple watches

Peter O’Shea, ICC’s anti-corruption officer, confirmed that the Apple watches were on the banned list because of the internet capabilities.

Also a number of Pakistan players had their fingers taped in similar manner to David Warner during Australia’s ball-tampering scandal against South Africa.

But there was no suggestion of anything suspicious being done to the ball, although England were bowled out for 184.

Pakistan have been involved in numerous incidents over the years with the low points being the abandoned Test at the Oval in 2006 over ball-tampering allegations.

Then in 2010 three players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir received jail sentences on criminal charges relating to spot-fixing that took place at Lord’s.

The smart watches are banned during play because it is possible to directly access the internet

The smart watches are banned during play because it is possible to directly access the internet

Asad Shafiq checks his smart watch during the opening day of play at Lord's on Thursday

Asad Shafiq checks his smart watch during the opening day of play at Lord’s on Thursday

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