Dhoni will have to remove dagger insignia from gloves: ICC

Taking a firm stand, ICC on Friday denied Mahendra Singh Dhoni permission to wear dagger insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves during World Cup despite BCCI's assertion that it was t a military symbol.

Indian cricket board (BCCI) had sought permission for star batsman from world governing body, which eventually cited regulations in denying permission.

" ICC has responded to BCCI to confirm logo displayed by MS Dhoni in previous match is t permitted to be worn on his wicket-keeping gloves at ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019," an ICC statement said.

" regulations for ICC events do t permit any individual mess or logo to be displayed on any items of clothing or equipment. In addition to this, logo also breaches regulations in relation to what is permitted on wicketkeeper gloves."

During India's opening World Cup game against South Africa in Southampton, Dhoni's greenkeeping gloves had a dagger logo embossed, which looked more like an Army insignia.

rule-book allows for only one sponsor's logo on wicket-keeping gloves. In Dhoni's case, he already sports an SG logo on his gloves. 

Dhoni is an Horary Lieutenant Colonel in Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army and dagger is part of ir emblem.

Committee of Administrator (CoA) chief Vid Rai had argued that wearing dagger insignia does t breach any rule.

"As per ICC regulations, players can't sport any commercial, religious or military logo. re was thing commercial or religious in this regard as we all kw. And it is t paramilitary regimental dagger that is embossed in his gloves. So Dhoni is t in breach of ICC regulations," Rai said.

Rai's comment came after ICC "requested BCCI" to ask Dhoni to remove sign from gloves, citing rules which forbid display of messs "which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes."

CoA's defense was based on fact that para-regimental dagger logo has word 'Balidan' (sacrifice) inscribed on it, which is t case with logo sported by Dhoni.

Dhoni also got support from Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, who had urged BCCI to resolve matter. 

"... issue is connected with sentiments of country, interest of nation has to be kept in mind. I urge BCCI to? take a fair step in Mahendra Singh Dhoni? case," Rijiju wrote on his twitter handle. 

Various sportspersons such as Suresh Raina and decorated wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt also backed former captain.