Dhoni told to play it by the book after ICC rule against India appeal about gloves

Former
India captain MS Dhoni caused uproar after wearing gloves with the Indian
Special Forces logo printed on them.

Dhoni was seen keeping wicket in India’s opening World Cup match against South Africa on Wednesday in gloves that sported the dagger insignia of his regiment of the Para Special Forces.

The “Balidaan” insignia, meaning
sacrifice can only be worn by paramilitary commandos, however BCCI Committee of
Administrators chairman Vinod Rai has denied any similarity.

Rai told ESPNcricinfo
the insignia was: “neither political, nor commercial, nor military.

“And it is not the paramilitary
regimental dagger that is embossed on his gloves.

 “I
am told 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.”

The issue has raised controversy again with
the ICC sanctioning players for bringing political matters into the game.

In 2014 the ECB had cleared England
spin-bowler Moeen Ali to wear political wristbands only later for the ICC to
reverse the decision.

Ali was banned by David Boon the ICC match referee
from wearing the “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” wristbands in the third Test
match against India in Southampton.

Despite England arguing that the gesture was
made on a ‘humanitarian’ and not political statement, the ICC was adamant in its
strict ruling.

Under the ICC Clothing and Equipment
regulations players or team officials are not permitted to wear, display or
convey: “messages which relate to political, religious
or racial activities or causes during International Matches.

“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.”

Consequently the ICC ruled that Dhoni to be banned from wearing those gloves for the rest of the World Cup matches.

India will play Australia next at the Kennington Oval in London on Sunday June 9 their first encounter in a World Cup league match since 2003.

JOTI KAUR