BCCI backs Dhoni's 'insignia gloves' after ICC's request to removeVBCCI backs Dhoni's 'insignia gloves' after ICC's request to remove

VAs soon as India kicked off their World Cup campaign, MS Dhoni's wicket-keeping gloves, sporting the Army's dagger insignia, seems to have triggered quite a storm. Ever since it got noticed during the match in Southampton against South Africa on Wednesday (June 5), the ICC too got involved, issuing a directive to the BCCI to restrain Dhoni from wearing these gloves.

The ICC has cited regulation D.1 from the ICC's rulebook that deals with clothing regulation to drive home their point, which reads, - "no Logo shall be permitted to be displayed on Cricket Clothing or Cricket Equipment, other than a National Logo, a Commercial Logo, an Event Logo, a Manufacturer's Logo, a Player's Bat Logo, a Charity Logo or a Non-Commercial Logo as provided in these Regulations. In addition, where any Match official becomes aware of any clothing or equipment that does not comply with these Regulations, he shall be authorised to prevent the offending person from taking the field of play (or to order them from the field of play, if appropriate) until the non-compliant clothing or equipment is removed or appropriately covered up."

The BCCI, however, insists that the insignia, also called the 'Balidaan badge' or a badge of sacrifice, has "none of those connotations" listed by the ICC. Vinod Rai, the CoA chief told PTI that Dhoni would continue wearing the dagger insignia on his gloves as it is not a military symbol.

"The BCCI had already sent a formal request to the ICC for clearance. As per ICC regulations, players can't sport any commercial, religious or military logo. There was nothing commercial or religious in this regard as we all know. And it is not the paramilitary regimental dagger that is embossed in his gloves. So Dhoni is not in breach of ICC regulations," Rai told PTI.

Despite the ICC directive, which Rai insists is "a request to get it removed and not an instruction," Dhoni might have to seek permission from the ICC as stated by rule L, "In order for any Logo or Personal Message to be ICC Approved for use in any match or series of matches to which these Regulations apply, the party seeking approval must apply to ICC for the grant of such approval and such approval must have been granted in advance of the commencement of the match or series in question."

Rahul Johri, the BCCI CEO might have to do a bit of firefighting, as he arrives ahead of India's second match against Australia at The Oval on Sunday (June 9), with an added responsibility now of speaking with the ICC officials to clear the air on this issue.