ICC asks BCCI to get the Army insignia symbol removed from MS Dhoni’s gloves

India began their World Cup journey on a high by defeating South Africa by six wickets at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday. During the match, MS Dhoni was spotted sporting the wicket-keeping with the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. While his love for the security forces is well known to everyone and even this gesture has won many hearts, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the BCCI to get the symbol removed from Dhoni’s gloves.

The ‘Balidaan Badge’ or the Army insignia was spotted on MS Dhoni’s gloves during the 40th over of South Africa‘s innings when he affected a stumping to send back Andile Phehlukwayo. The image has been going viral on social media since then and no wonder, the veteran has received a lot of praise for his gesture. Dhoni himself is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment and in 2011, he was bestowed with the special honour.

ICC GM confirms the news

Claire Furlong, the ICC General Manager, strategic communications informed that the apex body has requested the BCCI to get the symbol removed from MS Dhoni’s gloves. “We have requested the BCCI to get it removed,” she was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

While it might seem a harsh decision for many, the ICC regulations, in this case, read, “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.”

As far as MS Dhoni is concerned, he had a decent outing in Southampton to start of the World Cup. While it was a normal day for him behind the stumps, the veteran batted well in a tricky situation. He supported the centurion Rohit Sharma well and got out after making sure that India is in a good position to win the match. He scored 34 runs with the bat before being dismissed by Chris Morris.