Will MSD wear the ‘Balidan’ Insignia against Australia in the next match? Here’s ICC’s verdict and more about the controversy.
On 7th June 2019, The International Cricket (ICC) denied former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni permission to display a dagger insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves. The ICC stated that this insignia had violated their G1 clause of clothing and equipment regulations, which states that “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment (“Personal Messages”) unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s Board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes”, and the sponsorship logo clause 19.47, in which a diagram of the glove indicates where the sponsorship logo must be placed.
The insignia resembles the dagger emblem of the “Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army”, of which Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant-colonel. Dhoni received support from the Committee of Administrator (CoA) chief Vinod Rai, who said that “As per ICC regulations, players can’t sport any commercial or religious logo. There was nothing commercial or religious in this regard as we all know. And it is not the paramilitary regimental dagger that is embossed in his gloves. So Dhoni is not in breach of ICC regulations.” He requested for some flexibility from the ICC. Rai’s statement came after Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had tweeted his support for Dhoni.
It is understood that Dhoni will tape the insignia when India face Australia on Sunday.
But it can be argued that since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is an autonomous body and is not recognised by the Indian Government, they must not permit Dhoni to wear the insignia without the direct permission of the Indian Military. The dagger emblem is not a political, religious and racial symbol. This conflict could have been resolved if Dhoni had asked for the ICC’s permission prior to the World Cup.
The ICC must amend their laws to include rules about military related symbols and insignia in their next meeting. The word ‘political’ can also connote the political boundaries of a country. There must be more clarity regarding such matters. This will curb similar incidents in future tournaments. The players’ only interest is representing their nation in these events and their inputs must be heard as well. By displaying a part of his regiment’s emblem, Dhoni is not gaining any commercial gain. He is only expressing his pride and these sentiments must not be overlooked by the ICC.
Originally published at Sporcial.
