Reports: Teammates urge MS Dhoni to wear army insignia gloves against Australia

The MS Dhoni insignia glove controversy doesn’t seem to come to an end, despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejecting the Indian Board (BCCI)’s request to let him continue wearing the gloves. The ICC termed that BCCI’s argument wasn’t convincing enough and the Indian board has admitted that they will adhere to the rules and Dhoni has to cease the sign on his gloves.

The Indian wicketkeeper was seen wearing the Indian Para Special Forces’ dagger insignia which is also known as the ‘Balidaan’ Badge. Dhoni is an honorary Lt. Col. in the Parachute Regiment in 2011, had also undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015. The insignia was caught on cameras during the 40th over of the innings, as television replays showed Dhoni stumping Phehlukwayo off Yuzvendra Chahal.

Indian teammates want Dhoni to sport the insignia on the gloves vs Australia

The ICC rules in this matter state: “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.” However, where the BCCI failed to convince the international body about the insignia, the Indian team has stood with Dhoni and has urged him to continue sporting the insignia in the match against Australia on Sunday.

“The unity is evident and the respect they have for the former skipper is unquestionable. The players have made it very clear to Dhoni that while the decision on whether he wears the same gloves against Australia or not lies with him, they are with him and will back him. They have in fact urged him to keep wearing the same gloves that he wore in India’s opening game of the World Cup,” a source close to the team was quoted as saying by The Quint.

It seems the Indian team isn’t much convinced by the reasons provided by the ICC for rejecting BCCI’s request. Even vice-captain Rohit Sharma, during the pre-match press conference on Saturday, asked the media persons to wait and watch in regards to this matter.

Dhoni would be reprimanded if he does go ahead and wears the gloves with insignia and this being the second offense, he would attract a fine of 25 percent of the match fee. A third offense would mean a 50 percent fine of the fee and a fourth offense would see the player losing 75 percent of his match fee. All of this within 12 months.