Ahead of the 5th T20I game against South Africa, India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad could be seen pushing aside a groundsman trying to click a selfie with the batter. On Sunday night, India were all set to take on the Proteas in the final game of the five-match series. However, the rain Gods interrupted as soon as the game was about to begin.
While the opener was sitting in the dugout and waiting for the rain to stop. A ground staff took the opportunity to click the selfie with the Indian superstar. However, the 25-year-old batter refused to pose for the picture and pushed the ground staff away. Meanwhile, the latter was still persistent in his quest to click a picture.
The video went viral on the internet and Ruturaj Gaikwad has been receiving a lot of hate across the social media platforms. However, a very few know that as per the ICC rules, none of the ground staff is allowed to use mobile phones around the players’ area. It is strictly prohibited by the apex cricket body.
Watch the video here:
Very bad and disrespectful gesture by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Sad to see these groundsmen getting treated like this👎 pic.twitter.com/Qj6YoXIPUa
— akshat (@ReignOfVirat) June 19, 2022
The ICC has strictly banned the use of mobile phones
The ICC, in 2018, confirmed that under Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) Regulations, no person could wear any smart devices, including smart watches or use mobile phones on the ground.
“Communications devices are prohibited within PMOA and no player is allowed to be in the association of or use a communication device which is connected to internet whilst there,” the ICC said in a release.
“Smart watches in any way connected to a phone or Wi-Fi or in any way capable of receiving communications are not allowed and as such devices must be surrendered along with their mobile devices on arrival at the ground on match days,” the ICC release cleared the rule further.
Meanwhile, the Proteas series ended on a tough note for Ruturaj Gaikwad as the opener got out for 10 runs off 12 deliveries before rain forced to abandon the match.
