MS Dhoni was seen sporting Balidaan - the insignia of PARA Special Forces- on his glove during the India-South Africa clash in ICC Cricket World Cup.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni was seen sporting an Army insignia on his gloves during the India-South Africa clash in World Cup 2019. The gesture - a tribute to the Indian Army and especially the PARA Special Forces - was well appreciated by Indian fans. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, saying it is against its regulations.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager - Strategic Communications, told PTI that the apex body has requested the Indian cricket board to have the sign removed. It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed," Furlong said.
India's next game is against Australia on Sunday.
When asked if Dhoni, who is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, could be penalised for the breach of an ICC regulation, she added: "For first breach no, just a request to remove".
Dhoni's love for the Indian Army is well known. During the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday, Dhoni's gloves attracted special attention when the TV cameras zoomed in. 'Balidaan'- the regimental dagger insignia of the PARA Special Forces was embossed on his green wicket-keeping gloves.
According to sources, BCCI has come out strongly in favour of Mahi in this issue. BCCI sources believe that the Insignia is neither commercial nor religious. The Insignia is not even of his regiment. BCCI sources are looking to go through formal channels to get approval for Dhoni's special gloves.
While there is a possibility that Dhoni may have worn these gloves with the dagger insignia earlier also, it did get a lot of traction on social media with fans loving his unique way of paying tribute to the armed forces.
1. MS Dhoni weras 'Balidaan' on gloves during IND vs SA
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India played their first match of the ICC World Cup 2019 against South Africa on Wednesday. During the game, many noticed Dhoni wearing the gloves with the regimental dagger insignia. Pictures of MS Dhoni's gesture of love and respect towards the Indian Army went viral. Many users on social media noticed his gloves and hailed him for his gesture.
Lt. Colonel of Territorial Army man M.S. Dhoni.
— Krrissh Yadhu (@KrrisshYadhu) June 6, 2019
On his gloves we can see the #Balidan badge of the Para Special Forces #ParaSF .... The elite special forces of our nation. #ParachuteRegiment #Paratroopers pic.twitter.com/da87RxKPQx
Salute & respect to MS Dhoni who printed insignia of 'Balidan' on his wicket keeping gloves.
— Jagdish Dangi (@jagdishjd07) June 6, 2019
That's the regimental dagger insignia which represents the Para SF, Special Operations unit of Indian Army attached to Parachute Regiment. @msdhoni #BCCI#INDvSA #Dhoni #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/PIriFyBLW0
If you’d have noticed dhoni’s wicket keeping gloves have the Para logo on it! Legendary levels of swag!
— Arvind (@ARV1NDC) June 5, 2019
2. What is the Balidaan badge?
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The insignia sported by MS Dhoni on his gloves is called the 'Balidaan' badge or patch. Personnel who serve in the Para Special Forces are allowed to wear the "Balidaan" (Sacrifice) patch.
3. MS Dhoni loves sporting 'Balidaan'
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This is not the first time MS Dhoni has been seen wearing the 'Balidaan' insignia. He was seen wearing a cap with same logo with during IPL. His mobile cover also has the logo.
And he was spotted wearing the cap with Balidan Logo during the IPL. pic.twitter.com/cpR1gU6sbH
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 5, 2019
MS has a mobile case with Balidan. Also during IPL he was wearing cap with Balidan. His love and respect for Para SF is above all. #Balidan #ParaSF pic.twitter.com/f2C01jnvUB
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 5, 2019
