Shubman Gill's ICC dress code breach explained: Will India skipper be punished for wearing black-coloured socks?

Shubman Gill's ICC dress code breach explained (AP Photo)

Shubman Gill began his Test captaincy journey in commanding fashion as he smashed a century on Day 1 of the ongoing Leeds Test between England and India. Gill etched his name in the history books by notching up a century on his maiden Test as skipper, becoming only the fifth Indian captain to do so. India finished with 359/3 in 85 overs, with Gill unbeaten on 127 alongside his deputy Rishabh Pant, who remained not out on 65.

However, after such a dominant day, it was found that the Indian skipper might find himself in trouble. Gill could face disciplinary action for potentially breaching the ICC’s dress code regulations by wearing black-coloured socks. Throughout the day, Gill was seen sporting black socks—completely contrasting with the traditional white socks worn in Test cricket.

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Here's what the rule says

According to Clause 19.45 of the ICC’s updated Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, players in red-ball cricket are allowed to wear socks in “white, cream, or light grey.” In the limited-overs formats (ODIs and T20Is), players may wear socks in those colours or “the same colour as the base colour of the playing trousers.” These updated rules are effective from May 2023.

Will Gill be penalised?

Whether Gill will be penalised or not depends entirely on the match referee, Richie Richardson. If it is considered a deliberate Level 1 offence, Gill could be fined between 10 and 20 percent of his match fee. However, if the breach is found to be accidental or due to unavailability or unfitness of regulation socks, he may avoid any punishment.

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Shubman Gill misses 150 at Leeds

On Day 2, the two overnight batters — Gill and Pant — resumed their innings, with expectations high that both would continue their momentum from the opening day. After a cautious start, both began to play their shots. Pant eventually reached his third Test century in England. However, Gill fell just short of the 150-run mark, getting out for 147 against Shoaib Bashir.

The Indian captain attempted to go across the line while stepping down the track, but the ball struck the bottom of the bat and Brydon Carse took a comfortable catch at deep backward square leg.

Ahead of the series, following Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, all eyes were on the number four slot — who would bat there and how they would perform. As expected, Gill got the chance and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.