Here's Union Minister Smriti Irani's tribute amid the ICC vs MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' row

A day after the ICC ( International Cricket Council) rejected BCCI's persistent attempt to allow MS Dhoni to sport the army's "Balidaan Badge" insignia from his wicket-keeping gloves even after national outrage, Union Minister Smriti Irani took to social media to pay tribute to the Indian Army.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Smriti Irani came out in support of MS Dhoni and the Indian Army's Special Forces by posting a picture of the symbol of the Para Commandos Special Forces.

Using the hashtags, #heroes and #menofhonour, she shared the picture which says, "You will never see us cause we don't exist. You will never hear about us cause it never happened. We don't exist so that you can. Men Apart, Every Man An Emperor...".

Here is the post:

READ | BCCI Fails To Convince ICC Over MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' Wicket-keeping Gloves At The World Cup Despite National Outcry. Read Statement

On Friday evening, the ICC stated that the "Balidaan Badge" insignia will not be permitted on Dhoni's gloves because it breaches the regulations on items of clothing or equipment. 

Here’s the ICC's full statement: 

The ICC has responded to the BCCI to confirm the logo displayed by MS Dhoni in the previous match is not permitted to be worn on his wicket-keeping gloves at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. The regulations for ICC events do not permit any individual message or logo to be displayed on any items of clothing or equipment. In addition to this, the logo also breaches the regulations in relation to what is permitted on wicketkeeper gloves. 

MS Dhoni was seen sporting the 'Balidaan Badge' or the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicketkeeping gloves during the India vs South Africa World Cup match on Wednesday. The 'Balidaan Badge' was clearly spotted when the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman dismissed Andile Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the South African innings in India’ first World Cup match on Wednesday.

After the ICC's decision to ask BCCi to get the insignia removed, many military officials, actors, sportspersons, government authorities have vocally supported MS Dhoni to keep the gloves on sporting the insignia.

Incidentally, MS Dhoni is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Para-Air troops on the Indian Army and belongs to the same regiment as the Para Special forces whose badge he is seen sporting.

READ | Double Standards? ICC Objects To MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' Glove, Had Stayed Mum When Pakistan And West Indies Paid Tribute To Their Forces