Dhoni was given the rank of honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Army in 2011. He is the second cricketer to receive this honor after Kapildev.
India played its debut match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against South Africa on Wednesday. This match created headlines for many reasons. Not only for Rohit Sharma’s century but also for Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni’s handgloves. The gloves have created a controversy now with ICC being involved.
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.
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 honor. Kapildev was given this honor before them.
Dhoni is trained in paratrooping. He has also done the Basic Course from the Paratroopers Training School (PTS), Agra. Dhoni jumped off the IAF aircraft AN 32 for the fifth time qualifying for the badge of the paratroopers.
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.’
The ICC decision has also not gone down well with the people with the Infian tweeple trending #DhoniKeepTheGlove in support of MS Dhoni.
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