During India’s opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday, MS Dhoni’s gloves attracted special attention when the TV cameras zoomed in on them.
The former India captain was sporting an Army insignia on his glove during the game. The gesture was well appreciated by many of his fans.
However, on Thursday, the International Cricket Council requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India to have the badge removed, saying it is against the regulations.
“It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed,” Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager said.
Furlong further added that Dhoni, who is a honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, would face no sanction since this was the first time he breached the regulations.
“For the first breach... no, just a request to remove,” she added.
While Dhoni’s gloves did get a lot of traction, many fans were split over ICC’s decision to have the sign removed. India’s next game is against Australia on Sunday.
ICC has requested BCCI to ask MS Dhoni to remove Army insignia from gloves.Dear Lt Col MS Dhoni You are an officer of Para Regt. Don’t take off those gloves. Balidaan is a badge of honour. It’s represents the finest of Indian Army. The nation stands with you. #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/7eCNIurKw3
— Chanikya (@chanikya_chan) June 7, 2019
We are proud of you dhoni ❤️ continue to wear your gloves till we lift the World Cup. We are with you. ICC mind your business. Dhoni will wear. He is our national icon #DhoniKeepTheGlove
— R Subramaniam (@ashram3in) June 6, 2019
Sorry #ICC. I stand with Ms Dhoni.
— Tweetera🐦 (@DoctorrSays) June 6, 2019
This Balidan symbol is nothing to do with cricket game.. #DhoniKeepTheGlove pic.twitter.com/QnetFoWERG
Shocked at the irrational and almost juvenile stance of @ICC on MS Dhoni wearing an insignia of Balidan which means sacrifice. It isn’t used for fashion but holds important symbolic meaning. ICC hasn’t only disrespected the Indian Army but the entire country. pic.twitter.com/R2vLm8ZLcV
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) June 6, 2019
#DhoniKeepTheGlove i stand behind dhoni to keep it.. ICC has nothing to do with what tyoe of dress i wear.. Who stops anyone from. Wearing black armband... Who stops ppl from wearing badges on chest.. pic.twitter.com/6h9nOHtEYz
— रामेश्वर राम त्रिपाठी (@I_amProudIndian) June 7, 2019
ICC wants the 'Balidaan Badge' or the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para SF removed from Dhoni's gloves.
— VJ (@vinayak_jain) June 6, 2019
This is like the EC focusing on wedding cards instead of violence in polls.
Dear @ICC,
— Prabhat Sharma 🇮🇳 (@Prabhat28432285) June 6, 2019
Dhoni's gloves neither ethnic nor political.
Remember,
Dhoni is holding Lt. Colonel rank in Indian Army on that regiment.
Then what's wrong in it?
Have you lost your mind?#WorldCup2019#Dhonikeeptheglove #dhonikeeptheglove pic.twitter.com/xU7I7PVyyE
#DhoniKeepTheGlove Dhoni is a national figure and he has never done any act that is unjustified. Dhoni is also an officer of Army and he should keep the gloves. We should support him whole hartedly. pic.twitter.com/gqk1XzWLK5
— Shraddha singh (@shraddha_singh7) June 6, 2019
ICC norms delimit not to wear Religious, Racial and Political Logo.
— Ishan Raghav (@IshanRaghav1) June 6, 2019
If it is not against the ICC norms then why they are insisting him ?
Dhoni, It's a matter of National pride.
Dhoni, Keep the BALIDAAN badge.
Dhoni, India Back your Glove.#dhonikeeptheglove
#DhoniKeepTheGlove
— 🌺Aparna👒 (@Jayaa_IND) June 6, 2019
Priorities!!
ICC on low ICC ICC on Dhoni's
Level umpiring Balidan batch on
in matches His Gloves pic.twitter.com/lXbOr74c3b
Pic 1 : ICC On Low Level Of Umpiring
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja_Real) June 6, 2019
Pic 2 : ICC On Ms Dhoni's Gloves
Shame On You ICC 😡🙏 #DhoniKeepTheGlove #Dhoni #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/hO5rWv7JfK
Some fans stood by ICC’s decision saying it was not within the regulations.
MS DHONI don't represent Indian army. He represents India. @ICC is correct in this regard. If they allowed Dhoni today, tomorrow some country will wear their country army uniform. Then what you will tweet?
— akshaykamat (@Akshaykamat14) June 7, 2019
While the media is referring it “PATRIOTIC SENTIMENT,” the World Cricket Governing Body @ICC asked #Dhoni to remove the Army badge from his wicket-keeping gloves.
— Shabbir Hussain Imam (@peshavar) June 6, 2019
Cricket is a game, not war-front. #India the war loving nation polluted & introduced biased gesture!
Pics from @ndtv pic.twitter.com/PID0cP8yKn
As a Dhoni fan, loved that MS wore Balidaan symbol on his glove. But if it's not allowed by ICC regulations what's the big deal. Just move on & focus on game. Media is making content for them and sensationalising what could give them reach. Fans must move on. #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/a7xtRwOZAt
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 7, 2019
(with PTI inputs)
