Indian team started their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Wednesday where they defeated their opponent by six wickets.
The opening game saw former captain and currently the wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni donning Regimental Daggers insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his gloves. The former captain is a lieutenant colonel himself as the honour was bestowed on him in 2011 and he has also undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015.
But, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to have the symbol removed from his gloves. While speaking to IANS, Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications said that, “BCCI has been requested to have the symbol removed.”
ICC feels that as per ICC’s Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, “The players and team officials are not permitted to wear or display messages through arm bands or any other items fasten to clothing or the equipments unless approved by team’s official board and ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval would not be granted for messages that reflect political, religious or racial activities or cause. The player or team official shall not be permitted to wear, display or convey any message in International matches.
Earlier in 2014, during India’s tour of England, all-rounder Mooen Ali was banned from wearing a wristband bearing a slogan ‘Save Palestine’.