BCCI fails to convince ICC over MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' wicket-keeping gloves at the World Cup despite national outcry. Read statement

Despite national outrage and BCCI writing a consideration letter over the ICC seeking a removal of the ‘Balidaan Badge’ from MS Dhoni’s wicketkeeping gloves, the cricket body has stuck to its guns. The ICC stated that the logo will not be permitted 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. 

Earlier in the day, while the BCCI had backed the former Indian skipper's decision to keep his glove, the ICC CEO Dave Richardson speaking to Republic TV said that there clearly seems to be a violation of the dress code while declining to comment on MS Dhoni's intention.

"There is a specific rule of ICC that clearly talks about the dress code. Clearly, this seems to be a violation. I am not commenting on what was Dhoni's intention but ICC may or may not reconsider its stand even if Dhoni & BCCI convince their intention," he said.

Speaking to Republic TV sources, BCCI said that a letter had already been written to the ICC seeking a clearance for the former skipper to continue donning his insignia badge on his gloves, with CoA chief Vinod Rai confirming the news.

Rai earlier on Friday said,  "We have already written (to ICC to seek permission for MS Dhoni to wear 'Balidaan' insignia on his gloves), will speak more after the meeting (CoA meeting)."

Rai had also said that the insignia worn by Dhoni was neither commercial or religious adding that Dhoni was not in breach of any ICC regulations, in conversation to PTI.

"The BCCI had already sent a formal request to the ICC for clearance. As per ICC regulations, players can't sport any commercial, religious or military logo. There was nothing commercial or religious in this regard as we all know," he said.

The controversy was sparked after the ICC, on Thursday, asked the BCCI to get the 'Balidaan' insignia removed from Indian cricketer and former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's wicketkeeping gloves citing that the ICC official rules regarding equipment and clothing do not allow the show of political and religious messages during a match.

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.