Although Mahendra Singh Dhoni received appreciation from across the world for sporting an Indian Army insignia on his gloves during the India-South Africa World Cup match, the International Cricket Council (ICC) seems to have other ideas. The governing body, on Thursday, requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, citing that it was against its regulations.
The revelation was made by the ICC General Manager – Strategic Communications Claire Furlong, who informed PTI that the apex body had handed a formal request to the Indian cricket board to have the insignia removed. India’s will be playing their next game against Australia on Sunday.
“It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed,” Furlong told PTI.
When asked whether Dhoni, who happens to be a Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, could be penalised for breaching an ICC regulation, she added: “For first breach no, just a request to remove“.
The regimental dagger insignia of the para forces in question was embossed on his green wicket-keeping gloves.
While it is very much possible that Dhoni may worn these gloves earlier, but it only became a talking point when cameras captured the closeups of MSD during the match. Soon after it was spotted, social media was buzzing with the fans loving the veteran cricketer’s unique way of paying tribute to the armed forces.
Here is how Twitter reacted on ICC’s controversial decision:
#DhoniKeepTheGlove
PriortiestICC on low ICC on Dhoni's
Level umpiring Balidan batch pic.twitter.com/OtXkLbI7kw— Akashbabbar (@Akashbabbar321) June 6, 2019
Sorry #ICC. I stand with Ms Dhoni.
This Balidan symbol is nothing to do with cricket game.. #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/3r8x3kubvs— I'm The Great💪 (@GreatWarrior007) June 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/DHONIism/status/1136804229341859840
https://twitter.com/omi_anpat619/status/1136852819204435968
https://twitter.com/Munnaa09/status/1136695951073005569
https://twitter.com/asutosh007/status/1136819010945802240
The 3 lions on England team signify the Royal Arms an armed unit and Dhoni’s insignia signifies sacrifice of his armed forces.
Will @ICC now request England to not wear it and remove it from it’s cricket apparel?#DhoniKeepTheGlove@ICC @BCCI pic.twitter.com/bOxoL2O5Iz
— Fayak Wani (@Fayak_Wani1) June 7, 2019
The nation stands with you #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/SYh25Eg4PJ
— Sash (@Sash76273512) June 6, 2019
#DhoniKeepTheGlove | If it's a question of documentation, let's write to them. But this 'Balidaan Badge' is neither ethnic, political or religious. If MS Dhoni is wearing the badge, I'm happy. I salute him: Major Gaurav Arya (Retd.) pic.twitter.com/4pSwevO0Tl
— Republic (@republic) June 6, 2019
#DhoniKeepTheGlove we are all with you #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/JckR6BZWlt
— Jemmi Stan Account (@Imcckr) June 6, 2019
Dear all at @ICC ,when you are done with which symbol a legendary cricketer (read MS Dhoni) wears on his glove, pls do take time to check out the standard of umpiring.
The World Cup?Really now!
BTW The 'Balidaan Badge' doesn't disrespect anyone.#DhoniKeepTheGlove#AUSvWI #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/IDTK6ELrC5— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) June 6, 2019
#DhoniKeepBalidaanBadgeGlove #dhonikeeptheglove
The badge on the maroon beret speaks volume about who you are & what you are capable of! The Balidaan Badge is earned by just 4-5 volunteers out of selected 100. The Balidaan Badge is only for SF badged members. pic.twitter.com/Tt5iVDg3ho— LambodarPrasadDash (@LambodarPrDash) June 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/rushank_97/status/1136668229227692034
Never forget!
And he won't!
MSD forever 💙#Dhonikeeptheglove pic.twitter.com/NmrsdbuRp1— Sᥲtყᥲρɾᥲƙᥲ⳽ᖾ Cᖾᖾᥱtɾყ 🇮🇳 (@IamTruthLight) June 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/MithunNair8/status/1136659235838627841
#DhoniKeepTheGlove | This game is not more important that the sacrifice of those who have laid down their lives for this nation: Maj Gen GD Bakshi (Retd.)
— Republic (@republic) June 6, 2019
