Century Hero Shubman Gill Faces ICC Heat Over Dress Code Violation

Sports News: The much-awaited series of five Test matches against England was very positive for the Indian team. On the very first day, the brilliant century innings of captain Shubman Gill and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal brought Team India to a strong position. This match was very special for Shubman Gill—it was the beginning of his first match as a Test captain, in which he played a solid innings of more than 100 runs, presenting the best sample of his leadership.

But despite the brightness of success with the bat on the field, Gill is now seen getting entangled in a controversy. In fact, Gill may be accused of violating dress code rules by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Gill wore black socks instead of white socks during batting, which is against the strict dress code of Test cricket. Due to this mistake, they can also be fined match fees.

What is Gill's mistake?

When Shubman Gill took the field to bat in the Headingley Test, he was wearing black socks instead of traditional white socks. This is a violation of the dress code under Article 19.45 of the ICC, which clearly states that players should wear white, cream, or light brown socks in Test cricket. The rule was implemented from May 2023 on the recommendation of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

The incident has also been confirmed by Sky Sports through a tweet, after which the matter is also in discussion on social media.

How many of you have been fined for wearing black socks before? 😅 pic.twitter.com/CMf1BN8lG0

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 20, 2025

What could be the punishment?

Now this decision is in the hands of match referee Richie Richardson and how seriously they take it. If they consider it to be a deliberate level 1 crime, Gill may have to pay his match fee as a fine of 10 to 20 percent. However, if Gill is able to prove that this mistake was casual—as white socks have become wet or not available - then they can be released with a warning.

Which players have broken ICC rules before this?

Even before Shubman Gill, many legendary players have suffered a fine for violation of ICC rules:

• KL Rahul (2018): 10% fine for wearing non-standard helmets in Tests against Afghanistan.
• Chris Gayle (2016): Action on using a black bat in the Big Bash League.
• Imam ul Haq (2019): 15% fine for using unauthorized logos in the World Cup match.
• Joe Root (2021): A fine of 15% of the match fee for wearing a rainbow-colored strip in LGBTQ support.

Now everyone's eyes on match referee

Shubman Gill has started his captaincy career in a great way and a century innings that came out of his bat is a pleasant sign for Indian cricket. But even a small lapse on the platform of international cricket can come under the purview of rules. Now it has to be seen what the ICC and match referee take the stand on this issue—will Gill just be left with warning or will they have to face financial punishment?