India’s first match against South Africa saw Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicket-keeping gloves. While this was applauded by fans, ICC have requested BCCI to get it removed citing their rules. Twitter Demands a Boycott of world cup if the gloves get removed.
The Story
The “Balidaan Badge” or the Army insignia was seen on Dhoni’s gloves during the match against South Africa on June 5. While Dhoni was stumping Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the camera caught the gloves covered hands of ex-captain. Dhoni has been conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011. He went for a fifteen days initial training session under the Para Brigade in 2015 as well. His act of showing tribute to the Army in world cricket arena earned him respect from the fans. Social media were full of praise.
But the International Cricket Council intervened. According to ICC’s Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, under G 1, “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment (“Personal Messages”) unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s Board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes. The ICC shall have the final say in determining whether any such message is approved. For the avoidance of doubt, where a message is approved by the player or team official’s Board but subsequently disapproved by the ICC’s Cricket Operations Department, the player or team official shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey such message in International Matches.”
Twitter Outrage
Citing the same, ICC have requested BCCI to take action for the removal of the badge. Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications, told IANS, “We have requested the BCCI to get it removed.” Now, following the same Twitter have come up to support Dhoni. #Dhonikeeptheglove is a trend on Twitter now. They even want Indian cricket team to boycott the World Cup if the gloves get removed.
Also Read: Who will win the ODI World Cup 2019? Here are the top 5 contenders
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
