World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni changes wicketkeeping gloves, no army insignia

After the ICC asked the BCCI to get army insignia removed from MS Dhoni's gloves, Dhoni seen sporting different wicketkeeping gloves, no Balidaan symbol this time.

SANGEETA NAIR

JUN 9, 2019 21:33 IST

MS Dhoni changes wicketkeeping gloves, no army insignia

MS Dhoni has been seen wearing a different pair of wicketkeeping gloves in India's match against Australia at the Oval on June 9, 2019 after the ICC denied him permission to wear his regular gloves that had the 'Balidaan' army insignia on them.

Dhoni was sported wearing a dagger insignia on his gloves during India vs South Africa World Cup 2019 match on June 5. Post the match, the International Cricket Council requested the BCCI to get the symbol removed from Dhoni's gloves. ICC general manager - strategic communications, Claire Furlong said, “It is against the regulations and we have requested it to be removed.” Furlong clarified that for the first breach of ICC rules, there is no penalty, just a request to remove.

As per ICC rules, “The ICC equipment and clothing regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match."

BCCI stands with Dhoni

The BCCI stood behind Dhoni in the matter and the Chief of Committee of Administrators (CoA),Vinod Rai, in fact, had confirmed that the BCCI is seeking permission for MS Dhoni to wear 'Balidaan' insignia on his gloves. The Committee of Administrators looks after the administration of the BCCI.

The cricketing body claimed that the dagger insignia is neither commercial nor religious; it is not even of Dhoni’s regiment. The body was looking to go through formal channels to get approval for Dhoni's special gloves.

ICC denies BCCI request

However, the request was denied by the ICC. The ICC said that Dhoni could not be allowed to don the army badge on his gloves and the BCCI decided not to contest the ruling. Many experts also supported the move, saying that eventhough Dhoni's gesture was heartwarming, the ICC rules are in place because they are meant to be followed.

What was the controversy all about?

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni was spotted wearing the 'Balidaan Badge', an army insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves during India’s opening match in World Cup 2019 against South Africa. 

The gloves came into focus when television replays showed Dhoni stumping Andile Phehlukwayo in the 40th over on a ball bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal. 

What is the Balidaan badge?

The Balidaan badge is an army insignia that represents the Indian Para Special Forces, a special operations unit of Indian Army attached to Parachute Regiment. 

The regimental symbol comprises a commando dagger pointed downwards, with upward-extending wings that extend from the blade and a scroll superimposed on the blade with "Balidaan" inscribed on it in Devanagari script. 

Only commandos of the paramilitary are allowed to wear the Balidaan Badge. Dhoni had undergone training under the para brigade in 2015 and he was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011.

#DhoniKeepTheGlove, roars Twitter! Since the news of ICC’s request to get Dhoni to remove his gloves broke, Twitter exploded with Indian fans extending their support to the former Indian skipper, praising him for his silent tribute to Indian armed forces. The Twitterati expressed displeasure to the ICC request and requested Dhoni to keep his gloves.

Pakistan’s Minister slammed Dhoni for sporting army crest Pakistan's Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, slammed Dhoni and the Indian media in a tweet that read, "Dhoni is in England to play cricket, not for Mahabharta , what an idiotic debate in Indian Media, a section of Indian media is so obsessed with War, they should be sent to Syria, Afghanistan or Rwanda as mercenaries.” India would be playing its second world cup match against Australia on June 9, 2019.