During the first Test between England and India at Headingley, something unexpected was seen by cricket fans. Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj was spotted with a small in-ear device while being in the dug out. Fans wondered whether it was a communication device or something else.
The incident soon became a point of discussion on the Internet, with a few viewers asking whether players can use such devices during a live game. Some even went as far as suggesting that Siraj could be being guided from the dressing room with a secret earpiece.
But under ICC regulations, that is forbidden. Players are absolutely prohibited from wearing any live communication equipment during a match. That means mobile phones, walkie-talkies, Bluetooth earpieces, or anything else that can transmit or receive live instructions.
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What Was Siraj Really Wearing?
So, what was the device? It was probably a radio earwig, a piece of equipment frequently employed by spectators and team support staff, not for communication, but to hear live commentaries.
What is a Radio Earwig?
A radio earwig is an in-ear radio receiver, small in size. It is found in many stadiums where live commentary of the match can be heard while watching it. These send nothing, they just pick up sound.
They are particularly well-liked in sports such as cricket, Formula 1, and horse racing, where spectators like to follow expert commentaries in addition to the live play. The earwig typically links up with FM channels or event radio stations.
Some newer models, such as those manufactured by Sound Decisions, have the facility to store more than one channel and toggle between AM and FM mode.
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Are Players Permitted to Use It?
As per ICC guidelines, players are not allowed to wear these earwig gadgets on the field. Even if they play only audio, such devices can cause undue advantages or create conflict of interest issues.
It is not yet certain whether Siraj had prior permission or if the whole thing was misunderstood. The match officials have yet to make any official statement regarding the incident.
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