ICC World Cup 2019 | Vinod Rai backs MS Dhoni on Insignia storm
The Committee of Administrators (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai has backed MS Dhoni to sport the gloves with the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. The gloves had cooked up a storm after the ICC had asked BCCI to request Dhoni to not wear them based on ICC’s regulations.
MS Dhoni is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army. In India’s World Cup opener against South Africa on Wednesday, he had sported gloves with the ‘Balidan’ (Sacrifice) insignia of his regiment, a badge which only paramilitary commandos are allowed to wear.
The ICC (International Cricket Council) General Manager (Strategic Communications) Claire Furlong had asked for the sign to be removed as a breach of ICC's Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations. As per the laws, players and officials are not allowed to wear equipments related to political, religious, or racial activities or causes.
The Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai has requested the ICC to allow the former skipper to continue sporting the insignia.
Rai was quoted by Times Now on Friday saying that he stands by the player, Dhoni, as the insignia on the glove is ‘neither religious nor commercial’ in nature or even an ‘insignia of his regiment’. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will apply for a formal permission from the ICC in line with their rules and the Board will back Dhoni for a formal permission.
The CoA has reportedly had a meeting in order to discuss the particular issue. “We are having a meeting on how to handle this issue. We will let everyone know as soon as we have reached a decision,” said CoA member Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ravi Thodge, reported CricketNext.
India will take on Australia at The Oval on Sunday.