BCCI asks ICC to let MS Dhoni wear Army ‘Sacrifice’ badge

Ever since India have started their World Cup campaign with a clinical win over South Africa, MS Dhoni’s wicket-keeping gloves are hogging the limelight. The veteran was spotted sporting a regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his gloves. Though he won hearts with his gesture towards the Army, the International Cricket Council (ICC) requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene and remove the same from Dhoni’s gloves.

According to the ICC’s regulations a player cannot display such messages during the international match. “The ICC equipment and clothing regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match,” the regulations read. However, the Indian board is backing MS Dhoni on the matter now and has requested the ICC back to allow him to sport the ‘Balidaan Badge’ on his gloves.

We have already written to ICC

Speaking on the same, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai confirmed that they have written a letter to the ICC seeking the permission. “We have already written (to ICC to seek permission for MS Dhoni to wear ‘Balidaan’ insignia on his gloves), will speak more after the meeting (CoA meeting),” he was quoted as saying by India TV.

Rajeev Shukla, the chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), was of the opinion that the ICC shouldn’t have any objection as the cricketer is not promoting any product and is only showing respect with his gesture. “It’s not a commercial or a religious thing. It’s only about the country’s pride. So I don’t think the ICC should not have any objection because it has got nothing to do with commercial endorsements,” Shukla said.

Even the ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications, Claire Furlong confirmed that the BCCI has requested the ICC to allow MS Dhoni sporting the Army insignia but refused speaking more on the matter stating that the higher officials will take the final decision. “As of now, I do not know. It would need to be considered by the ICC,” she said.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has found immense support throughout the country with even the retired Major GD Bakshi stating that he is well within the rights to use the badge.