\'Army\'s insult if Dhoni removes insignia logo off his gloves\': Retd Major Gaurav Arya

Kamloops: As the ICC has asked the Team India wicket-keeper MS Dhoni to remove army logo off his wicket-keeping gloves and if he does so (at the insistence of the ICC or the Indian cricket board), it will be an insult to the army and the people of India,according to Retired Army Man Major Gaurav Arya.

During India's opening match against South Africa at the ongoing World Cup in Southampton on June 5, Dhoni was seen keeping in gloves that sported the dagger insignia of his regiment of the Indian Para Special Forces. This particular insignia - "Balidaan", meaning sacrifice - can only be worn by paramilitary commandos.

The CoA (BCCI) is claiming to have had sought the permission and insisting Dhoni would continue to wear the logo in the next match against Australia on Sunday.

"I don’t know if Dhoni violated ICC rules by wearing the BALIDAAN insignia on his gloves. But once he has worn them, to take them off will be an insult", retired Major Gaurav Arya, speaking exclusively said over the telephone.

"MS Dhoni is Lt Col MS Dhoni of the Parachute Regiment of Indian Army. He is part of Territorial Army. He is wearing his Regimental insignia. Dhoni has not used the insignia to promote religion or politics or make a racist statement".

"During one of the matches at Mohali, the Pakistani players were seen offering Namaz on the field. Where was the ICC then? Why this selective standard", the army man asked.

Interestingly, Team India also sought permission to wear army cap in Ranchi, where Dhoni possibly had played his last match against Australia on March 8, 2019.

However, Dhoni may not have violated the size of the logo.

Only two Manufacturer’s Identifications on the back of each glove with the following dimensions are permitted.

1 x 6sq inches (38.71cm²)
1 x 2 sq inches (12.9cm²)