BCCI, India, Sourav Ganguly, Amit Shah,
Vinod Rai has thrown his support behind MS Dhoni (Credits: Web)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has thrown its support behind MS Dhoni who is facing the heat from the ICC for sporting Army Crest on his wicketkeeping gloves. The former India skipper was sporting the logo on his gloves during the India-South Africa clash in World Cup 2019.

The gesture – a tribute to the Indian Army and especially the PARA Special Forces – received praise from all over. However, the ICC, on Thursday, requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, saying it is against its regulations.

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BCCI With MS Dhoni As ICC Asks For Removal Of 'Balidaan' Insignia From Gloves, Says Vinod Rai
MS Dhoni (Credits: Twitter)

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Strategic Communications, said that that the apex body has requested the Indian cricket board to have the sign removed.

“It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed,” Furlong was quoted as saying by NDTV.  

At the same time, she also said that MS Dhoni would not face any charge for the act, saying:

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“For first breach no, just a request to remove”.

MS Dhoni’s love for the Indian Army is not a secret. The legendary cricketer has paid tributes to the force whenever he has got the chance. A couple of months ago, he had suggested that Indian players should wear camouflage military caps during an ODI against Australia as a tribute to Pulwama martyrs. In his latest, he gave tribute to Para Special Forces.

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‘Balidaan’- the regimental dagger insignia of the PARA Special Forces was embossed on his green wicket-keeping gloves. Dhoni, who has been conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011, had undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015. The legendary captain had done five jumps from the parachute.

MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni. Credits: Twitter

While only time will tell what eventually happens, the BCCI is firmly backing MS Dhoni. Vinod Rai, the chief of Committee of Administrators, has  confirmed that the board has already written to the ICC to seek permission for the gloves.

“The BCCI had already sent a formal request to the ICC for clearance. As per ICC regulations, players can’t sport any commercial, religious or military logo. There was nothing commercial or religious in this regard as we all know,” Vinod Rai was quoted as saying by IndiaTV.

“And it is not the paramilitary regimental dagger that is embossed in his gloves. So Dhoni is not in breach of ICC regulations,” he added.

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India, meanwhile, will next play against Australia in the World Cup. The bumper clash will take place on Sunday.