MS Dhoni sported the Balidaan badge – regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicket-keeping gloves – professing his love for the security forces during India’s World Cup opener against South Africa. However, a huge controversy erupted soon as the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised an objection. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sought clearance from the international board in the matter but to no avail as the ICC adjudged that no individual message or logo is permitted on the gloves on the field.
While Dhoni is said to have told the BCCI that he will oblige the rules and will not don the gloves again, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has suggested the wicket-keeper batsman use the honourable logo on his bat.
“MS can still use that logo but on his bat as two logos are permitted on a bat, one of the manufacturers and the other one of anything. I sought permission to use ‘SISJ.in’ logo on my bat from ICC and I was granted permission post which I used it on my bat,” said Sehwag.
Sehwag also urged the fans to not go over the line in protesting against the ICC for not letting Dhoni use the badge on his gloves and urged them to show their support on social media. He asked the fans to take pictures and videos of themselves watching the game while keeping a Balidaan badge with them to show their support.
India won their opening encounter against South Africa by six wickets and will be looking to continue their winning run in the tournament when they take on Australia in their second encounter on Sunday.
