World Cup 2019: Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry slams MS Dhoni for Balidaan Badge on gloves

During India’s World Cup opener against South Africa, MS Dhoni had made the headlines for non-cricketing reasons. Although he had affected a fine stumping and played a fine cameo with the bat, it was his wicketkeeping gloves that stole all the limelight. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman was lauded all over the internet for a sporting regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces.

The “Balidaan Badge” or the Army insignia was highlighted when Dhoni stumped Andile Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal. Since then, the fans went gaga over Dhoni, lavishing praise on him for his tribute to the Para Special Forces. However, Dhoni’s tribute has not gone down well with everyone as Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry has slammed him for the gesture. Fawad Chaudhry, who is Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology, posted his thoughts on Twitter as he slammed Dhoni and the Indian media.

“Dhoni is in England to play cricket not to for MahaBharta, what an idiotic debate in Indian Media, a section of Indian media is so obsessed with War they should be sent to Syria, Afghanistan Or Rawanda as mercenaries,” Fawad Chaudhry tweeted.

Dhoni is in England to play cricket not to for MahaBharta , what an idiotic debate in Indian Media,a section of Indian media is so obsessed with War they should be sent to Syria, Afghanistan Or Rawanda as mercenaries…. #Idiots https://t.co/WIcPdK5V8g

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) June 6, 2019

It should be noted that Dhoni was conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011. In 2015, he had also undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015. Only Paramilitary Commandos are allowed to wear the Balidan Badge and as Dhoni is also one of them, he is allowed to don it.

ICC says no to gloves:

While Dhoni and the fans would have loved to see the logo on those famous gloves, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the India star not to do so. The ICC rules state that “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”. Consequently, the ICC has asked BCCI to take the required step.

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications, said that the BCCI has been asked to get the symbol removed from Dhoni’s gloves.

“We have requested the BCCI to get it removed,” she said.