Smart watch ban

Pakistani cricket players barred from wearing smart watches while playing test series against England

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has barred Pakistani players from wearing smart watches at the May 25 Test match against England at Lord’s. The news evokes some embarrassment coupled with angst in this latest attempt by the ICC to curb corruption by Pakistan. It was less than a decade ago that our captain and two other players were found guilty of spot-fixing resulting in imprisonment, bans from international cricket, and a lifetime of shame for Pakistan cricket fans. Additional measures by the ICC to prevent corruption receive our approbation as we would not look forward to another moment of international shame.

However, anti-corruption rules should be implemented and enforced for all players in the league and not for selected teams.

Smart technology has facilitated communication and we agree that there is always risk of abuse. Smartphones and smart watches can easily be utilised to enhance communication and engage in match-fixing by anyone.

Conversely, smart watches can capture critical data on player fitness that players should have access to, as it is highly relevant to their chosen profession. Nevertheless, since Mohammad Amir, implicated in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal that took place at the same venue, is playing again, we understand the ICC’s consternation. It must seem to the ICC that this Test match will, indeed, also be a test of how effective its anti-corruption policies have been since then.

A commendable point is that members of the Pakistan team have taken notice of this rule in a respectful manner. They appear willing to abide rather than raising any hue and cry. Even eight years on, damage control must be paid heed to as players repair the image of Pakistan cricket and understand it is uncouth for players on a professional sports team to serve as negative role models with millions of impressionable fans watching. Our players’ complicity in this regard was crucial as nerves are rattled and old memories return in the minds of fans.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2018.

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