New Delhi:
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 clash against South Africa in Southampton, former India cricket team skipper MS Dhoni displayed the ‘might’ of the Indian army on his gloves while keeping wickets. In a tweet pointed out by one prominent user, Dhoni displayed the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the BCCI to get the symbol removed from Dhoni's gloves.
Claire Furlong, ICC general manager, strategic communications, said that the BCCI has been asked to get the symbol removed from Dhoni's gloves. "We have requested the BCCI to get it removed," she said. The 'Balidaan Badge' or the Army insignia was spotted on Dhoni's gloves. 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.
The ICC regulations specifically states, "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 game. Dhoni had a superb day in the field and he effected a stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal when he got rid of Andile Phehlukwayo for 34.
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This was Dhoni’s 121st stumping in ODIs, which is the most in international cricket. In fact, Dhoni is the only keeper to effect over 100 stumpings in ODIs. Before the start of the India vs Australia game, there was a very special tribute which was led by Dhoni himself and it resulted in the toss getting delayed by three to four minutes. Before the toss, Dhoni handed out army-style caps to each player in the Indian cricket team. The official Twitter handle of the BCCI said the team will be sporting camouflage caps as a mark of tribute to the loss of lives in Pulwama terror attack and the armed forces. This is also to encourage countrymen to donate to the National Defence Fund for taking care of the education of the dependents of the martyrs.
The relationship between Dhoni and the Indian army is deep and it goes back close to a decade. In 2011, Dhoni was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army. In 2015 and 2017, Dhoni was seen undergoing some training sessions in Kashmir with the Indian army officers.
