BCCI to go by 'rules' but asks for ICC 'flexibility' on MS Dhoni insignia issue
The BCCI has decided not to escalate the MS Dhoni insignia issue but asked the ICC to show some 'flexibility'. The gloves, which Dhoni wore for India's tournament opener against South Africa, were deemed to be in breach of the tournament's clothing and equipment rules according to the ICC.
MS Dhoni's wicket-keeping gloves, sporting the Indian Army's dagger insignia, triggered quite a storm after it was noticed during the match in Southampton against South Africa on Wednesday. The ICC, too, got involved, and then issued a directive to the BCCI to restrain Dhoni from wearing these gloves, and now, the BCCI decided that they wouldn’t escalate the matter if the ICC insists.
"We will play the game by the rules of the ICC in letter and spirit. If there is a specific norm that has to be followed, we will not break that norm. However, if there is any flexibility available, we have sought permission for the ICC to allow the player to wear the gloves,” CoA chief Vinod Rai told ESPNcricinfo.
Today, Rai organised a meeting with two other CoA members Diana Edulji and Ravindra Thodge as well as the BCCI chief executive officer Rahul Johri and the matter was discussed in length. Rai added that the insignia is "neither political, nor commercial, nor military" and “it is not the paramilitary regimental dagger that is embossed on his gloves”.
But as per the ICC rules, "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."
Rai, however, understood the point and the committee collectively decided that it wouldn’t be escalated. "I am told the ICC has specific rules pertaining to the logos on the gloves of the wicketkeeper. If there is rule as specific as that we will 100% conform to the ICC rules. We don't propose to escalate this non-issue."
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