Breaking: BCCI stands by Dhoni; says no need to remove the ‘Balidan’ gloves

BCCI’s response comes a day after ICC asked Cricket Body to get Dhoni to take off his gloves which have ‘Balidan’ insignia imprinted on them.

Mumbai| Amidst the raging controversy over MS Dhoni’s wicketkeeping gloves displaying ‘Balidan’ insignia, the BCCI has decided to back the Indian player. The BCCI has clarified that Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not need to remove these gloves. BCCI’s response comes a day after ICC asked BCCI to get Dhoni to take off his gloves which have ‘Balidan’ insignia imprinted on them. The symbol is used to honour the Para Military forces of India.

What is the controversy?

During the match between India and South Africa, Mahendra Singh Dhoni honoured the Para Special Force in a unique style. He wore gloves which had signs of ‘Sacrifice Badge’ imprinted on them. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed objection to Dhoni wearing such ‘Balidan’ gloves. The ICC has asked the BCCI to take off Dhoni’s wicketkeeping gloves citing it flouts the rule.

Dear Lt Col @msdhoni

You are an officer of Para Regt. Don’t take off those gloves. Balidaan is a badge of honour. It’s represents the finest of Indian Army. I have always looked at that badge with awe & respect. The nation stands with you.

Jai Hind
Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) pic.twitter.com/IbOZ0SDEEy

— Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) (@majorgauravarya) June 6, 2019

Why did Dhoni use the Balidan badge gloves?
Not everyone can use the ‘Sacrifice Badge’ mark. This only applies to para commandos. The Para Special Force is usually called Para SF. It is the Special Operation Unit of the Indian Army. The Para Special Force had entered into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2016 and conducted a surgical strike.
‘Sacrifice Badges’ is with the special forces’ parachute regiment. ‘Balidan’ is written on this badge. Dhoni was given the rank of honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Army in 2011. He is the second cricketer to receive this honour after Kapildev.

Dear @ICC .. Balidan means sacrifice – the motto of the Indian Para Special forces. By getting MS Dhoni to remove the insignia from his gloves, you insult not just the Indian Army but the spirit of sacrifice thats taken a fantastic human being like Dhoni to the top of his game. pic.twitter.com/0wgeXtRmpK

— Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) June 6, 2019

The reaction of Indians:
Though ICC has criticized Dhoni, many Twitter users have praised Dhoni. One user wrote, ‘He showed his love for the country and the army.’ Another user wrote, ‘This is the reason that we love Dhoni. Thank you for showing love and support for our Military Para Special Force.’

WTF! International Cricket Council @ICC orders Indian wicketkeeper Lt. Col. @MSDhoni to remove his Army insignia on his gloves. #DhoniKeepTheGlove & @BCCI shd back him to the hilt. In a World Cup where Islamist moustacheless beards r tolerated, Dhoni's gloves r harmless. #CWC19

— Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) June 6, 2019

The Indians stood with Dhoni asking unanimously asking him to not remove the gloves. The desi twitter also trended #DhoniKeepTheGlove in support of MS Dhoni.