India’s new Test skipper Shubman Gill might have made headlines for his commanding half-century on Day 1 of the IND vs ENG 1st Test at Headingley, but he also caught the eye for a different reason — one that could lead to disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Gill was spotted wearing black socks instead of the mandated white or cream in Test cricket. According to clause 19.45 of the ICC Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, players must wear white, cream or light grey-colour socks in Tests. Gill’s choice of black clearly breaches this protocol.
The rule, based on MCC’s recommendation, was enforced in May 2023 and is applicable across all ICC-sanctioned Test matches.
Could Gill be fined?
The final decision lies with match referee Richie Richardson. If deemed a Level 1 offence and found to be deliberate, Gill could be fined 10–20% of his match fee. If considered unintentional — for instance, due to an emergency like wet or unavailable white socks — he may escape penalty.
Past incidents involving dress code violations:
- KL Rahul (2018): Fined 10% for wearing a non-compliant helmet.
- Chris Gayle (2016): Fined 10% for using a black-bladed bat in BBL.
- Imam-ul-Haq (2019): Fined 15% for using a bat with an unauthorised logo.
- Joe Root (2021): Fined 15% for sporting a rainbow logo during a Test.
While minor, such violations still fall under ICC oversight and could lead to disciplinary action depending on the referee’s interpretation. Despite the potential fine, Gill impressed with the bat, scoring 53* at Tea on Day 1 as India stood strong at 215/2.
