ICC may consider MS Dhoni to continue play with ‘Balidaan Badge’ if BCCI can convince it

The controversy over Mahendra Singh Dhoni using a pair of special gloves in India’s opening clash in the ICC World Cup against South Africa refuses to die down. After the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman was seen donning them in Southampton on Wednesday, the cricketing world has remained divided in reaction.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is of the opinion that the gloves bearing regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces was not permissible under the regulations and it requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove them.

On Friday, the ICC said that if Dhoni and the Indian cricket board managed to convince them that the ‘Balidaan Badge’ does not have any political; religious or racial message, they could consider allowing the cricketer to continue wearing them for the rest of the tournament. It may be noted here that Dhoni is a big admirer of the armed forces and also has an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment since 2011, the year he led India to win the 50-over World Cup.

“If MS Dhoni and BCCI convince us that the ‘Balidan Badge’ does not have any political, religious or racial message, ICC may consider the request,” Hindustan Times cited reports as quoting an ICC source.

Earlier, Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Strategic Communications, said that the international governing body had requested the BCCI to replace Dhoni’s gloves. The Committee of Administrators (CoA) that runs the BCCI though backed the cricketer with its chief Vinod Rai saying that there was nothing wrong in what Dhoni did.

Indian fans have hailed Dhoni over his act

Fans in India were also supporting Dhoni over his act of glorifying the armed forces. A section of the Indian media too threw its weight behind him. However, reactions came in from the other side of the Wagah with a top Pakistan minister saying Dhoni’s job was to play cricket in England. He also slammed a section of the Indian media saying it was obsessed with war.

In March, the Indian team had sported the military camouflage caps in a ODI game against Australia in Dhoni’s hometown of Ranchi to pay respects to the personnel who were martyred in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir in February.