The International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to get the dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces removed from the wicket-keeping gloves of the former Captain of the Indian Cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to get the ‘Balidaan Badge’ or the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces removed from Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s wicket-keeping gloves. pic.twitter.com/63rOjsCooX
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2019
The news was confirmed by the ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications, Claire Furlong while speaking to IANS. “We have requested the BCCI to get it removed”, Furlong said. According to the global body governing cricket, it is against the regulations. When asked whether Dhoni could be punished for breaching ICC rules, Furlong said that at present Dhoni is only requested to remove the insignia and there will be no punishment for the first time offence.
Dhoni was spotted wearing his green wicket-keeping gloves having the dagger insignia during the opening match in the ongoing cricket World Cup. The dagger insignia called the Balidan Badge is a distinct insignia of the special forces forming part of the Parachute Regiment. The badge can only be worn by Paramilitary Commandos. Dhoni, who was conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011, was flaunting the Balidan Badge as a mark of respect for the Armed Forces. The former Skipper had also undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015.
Dhoni had attracted a lot of appreciation on social media from cricket fans for sporting the Balidan Badge on his gloves.
That’s the regimental love of the Indian Para Special Forces on Dhoni’s gloves and mobile cover and cap.
His Love and Respect Indian Para Special Force is above All.#Balidan #IndiavsSouthAfrica #MSDHONi #WorldCup2019 @msdhoni @ImRaina @Cricprabhu @ChennaiIPL @cricketaakash pic.twitter.com/nQBLsQx4nk— Bhavik Ladani (@bhavikpatel_07) June 6, 2019
People poured love on Dhoni for respecting the Armed Forces by proudly flaunting the Balidan Badge.
A soldier always a soldier…Love u mahi#Balidan @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/nbWZ66elvp
— Ashutosh Tiwari (@iashutosh_IND) June 6, 2019
This man shows his love for the nation and army.
A Regimental Dragger(BALIDAN) of Indian Army Para Special Force on MS Dhoni Gloves. #IndianArmy #Balidan pic.twitter.com/P5haUEyQcy— Sachin Joraviya (@SachinJoraviya) June 5, 2019
Dhoni has often expressed his desire to join the Armed Forces. Earlier, the whole Indian Cricket team had worn Army caps during an ODI match against Australia at Ranchi to pay homage to the CRPF personnel who had lost their lives in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack.
