ICC could take an offensive approach to Jos Buttler's coarse bat message
Jos Buttler could invite stern actions from ICC for displaying âF**k itâ on the top of his bat handle, highlighted during the second Test against Pakistan. The move, which was not pre-approved, was justified by the 27-year-old batsman as preserving his own instincts against the pressure of the game.
Jos Buttler was recalled to the English red-ball squad for the Test series against Pakistan after he performed excellently well for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Standing tall to the belief shown on him by the newly-appointed national selector Ed Smith, the batsman made 80 not out, grabbing the man of the match title in the second Test against Pakistan at Headingley.
However, a message that was written on the bat has landed him in trouble. As per the ICC norms of clothing and equipment rules and regulations âPlayers and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by both the player or team officialâs board and the ICC cricket operations department...the ICC shall have the final say on determining whether any such message is approved.â
Buttler, however, stated that this was his way of disseminating the overwhelming pressure exerted by the game and further retain his own instincts, rather than getting influenced by external forces.
âI think it's just something that reminds me of what
The message displayed was not pre-approved by the ICC which has now caused trouble for Buttler. It is, however, highly dependent on the actions that will be taken by the umpires and the match referee, Jeff Crowe.
