#DhoniKeepTheGlove: Fans Call For Boycott Of World Cup As ICC Asks MS Dhoni To Remove Army Insignia Gloves

Fans from the country have rallied behind MS Dhoni after ICC asked him to not wear the Army crest on wicketkeeping gloves. The former India skipper was receiving praise from all over after the cameras caught the logo of Para Special forces on his gloves during India’s World Cup-opener against South Africa on Wednesday.

The “Balidaan Badge” or the Army insignia was spotted on Dhoni’s gloves as television replays showed him stumping Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings. The Balidaan is a distinct insignia of the special forces, which form part of the Parachute Regiment. Only Paramilitary Commandos are allowed to wear the Balidaan Badge.

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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.

But while the entire nation is lauding Dhoni for his beautiful tribute to the forces, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is not fine with it. The governing body of the game has stated that Dhoni’s act is against the rules although they have not penalised the India star.

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Claire Furlong, ICC general manager – strategic communications, said, “It is against the regulations and we have requested it to be removed.”

“For first breach no, just a request to remove,” added Furlong when asked whether Dhoni could face charges.

But ICC’s diktat has not gone down well among the fans. Thousands of fans took to Twitter to say how proud they were of both Dhoni and the Indian army. Not only that some even called for the boycott of the World Cup while some asked the ICC to concentrate on umpiring in the ongoing World Cup.

Here are some of the reactions:

WTF! International Cricket Council @ICC orders Indian wicketkeeper Lt. Col. @MSDhoni to remove his Army insignia on his gloves. #DhoniKeepTheGlove & @BCCI shd back him to the hilt. In a World Cup where Islamist moustacheless beards r tolerated, Dhoni's gloves r harmless. #CWC19

— Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) June 6, 2019

Urge all Indians, Indian companies to boycott @ICC @cricketworldcup #CWC2019 if the request for @msdhoni glove is not withdrawn. @ICC enough of ur nonsense. @msdhoni #DhoniKeepTheGlove

— Raivat Shah (@RaivatShah) June 7, 2019

Every Indian worth his salt should support Dhoni by boycott of @cricketworldcup and @BCCI #DhoniKeepTheGlove

— Sunil Dutt (@sunilduna) June 6, 2019

#dhonikeeptheglove @msdhoni Please do not remove the gloves. We will boycott WC2019 if they force you to remove gloves. Jai Hind

— Shekhar Solanki (@sheksol) June 6, 2019

Why are we listening to these British backed ICC jokers ?

They never even won world cup in their life but call themselves inventors of cricket.

Keep the gloves#DhoniKeepTheGlove

— Sarcastic Nana (@nanapatakarr) June 6, 2019

Dear ICC .. Balidan means sacrifice – the motto of the Indian Para Special forces. The spirit of sacrifice thats taken a fantastic human being like Dhoni to the top of his game. #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/Kcx3yurxQM

— Ajay yadav (@Ajay89611) June 6, 2019

Offering Namaz by Pak in the ground allowed ☑️

Balidaan Badge by MSD is not allowed? ❎

Dhoni's gloves neither ethnic nor political

Dear ICC , Balidan means sacrifice – the motto of the Indian Para Special forces

We Stand By Ms Dhoni ??#DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/3naMBZSoOW

— ODISHA MSDIANS CLUB (@odishamsdians) June 7, 2019

ICC concentrate on more important things #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/CW4wVi9DUg

— saichand.pratapagiri (@saichand1997) June 7, 2019

Sorry #ICC. I stand with Ms Dhoni.
This Balidan symbol is nothing to do with cricket game.. #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/3r8x3kubvs

— Ram Yadav (@RamYadav2143) June 7, 2019

This should be the BCCI's official response to ICC's request. #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/1P2tSfPbjn

— Rofl Indian (@Rofl_Indian) June 6, 2019

#DhoniKeepTheGlove
Priortiest

ICC on low ICC on Dhoni's
Level umpiring Balidan batch pic.twitter.com/OtXkLbI7kw

— Akashbabbar (@Akashbabbar321) June 6, 2019

You can remove the army things from Dhoni's pad, cap, bat or Jersey.
.
But you can't remove Lt Colonel MS DHONI's love for the NATION from his heart. ??❤️#DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/PgW2OBq9Ht

— DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) June 7, 2019