ICC blocks Twitter users over Black Lives Matter logo controversy

The ICC's decision to allow the West Indies cricket team to wear the Black Lives Matter logo on their t-shirt has cooked up a storm on Twitter. The move was criticised by Indian cricket fans, who accused the ICC of hypocrisy as it did not allow MS Dhoni to wear the army insignia gloves during the 2019 ICC cricket world cup. Fans took to Twitter to criticising the move, but many were blocked or had their replies 'hidden'. This resulted in further furor.

The ICC had put out a tweet saying that the WI team would wear the logo on their jerseys on Monday. “West Indies players will wear the Black Lives Matter logo on their jerseys in the upcoming #ENGvWI Test series,” the tweet said.

According to the ICC's Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, under G 1, "Players 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 (“Personal Messages”) unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s Board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes. The ICC shall have the final say in determining whether any such message is approved. For the avoidance of doubt, where a message is approved by the player or team official’s Board but subsequently disapproved by the ICC’s Cricket Operations Department, the player or team official shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey such message in International Matches."

Dhoni had worn the 'Balidan' insignia on his glove when India played against South Africa during their first match of the World Cup. This was later prohibited by the ICC. The move to allow the West Indies team to wear the Black Lives Matter logo was seen as double standards by many and it was subsequently criticised by Indian cricket fans on Twitter.