'Why not?,' asks Paralympian Deepa Malik backing MS Dhoni over wearing the 'Balidaan Badge' on his glove, says 'the only right for objection lies with the Army'

Amid the controversy surrounding the ICC's objection to Indian team wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni wearing the 'Balidaan Badge' of his Para regiment on his wicket-keeping gloves at the World Cup, Paralympic medalist Deepa Malik has extended her support to the former captain of the Indian cricket team on wearing the badge.

Speaking to Republic TV on Friday, the Indian athlete said that no one other than the Indian Army has got any right to raise an objection against Dhoni wearing the 'Balidaan Badge' on his glove. She further pointed out how Dhoni, who has been honoured with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Army, said that he takes pride in what he is doing.

She said, "Dhoni takes pride in what he is doing. He is associated with an organization of repute and importance to a country and its citizens." 

"Why not? It is such a positive impact, it is not raising any controversy or hurting any sentiments. It is not racial, it has got nothing to do with any subject which can create a controversy. It is saluting an organization which stands up for the citizens of a country and I think the only right for objection lies with the army, and if they have not objected to it, I think none of us has the right to do that." she stated further.

Several other reputed celebrities across domains have come forward in support of the 37 years old. From former Indian athlete and Olympian Milkha Singh to several Bollywood celebrities including Paresh Rawal and Riteish Deshmukh has taken a stand in favour of MS Dhoni. 

Milkha Singh stated that he did not like what the ICC (International Cricket Council) has done on objecting to Dhoni wearing the 'Balidaan Badge' on his glove and stated that Dhoni is giving respect to the Army by wearing the badge.

Meanwhile, in a big development on the row, sources have said that the BCCI has taken a stance backing MS Dhoni's decision to wear the army insignia honouring the Para-special forces. Sources have also confirmed that India's apex cricket body has already written a letter to the ICC on seeking clearance for MS Dhoni to continue wearing the insignia badge on his gloves, with the Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai confirming the news.

In a big development in the ICC-Dhoni's 'Balidaan' glove tussle, sources have said that the BCCI, on Friday, has taken a stance backing MS Dhoni's decision to wear the army insignia honoring the Para-special forces.

Sources have also confirmed that India's apex cricket body has already written a letter to the ICC on seeking clearance for MS Dhoni to continue wearing the insignia badge on his gloves, with the Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai confirming the news.