"It should be taken as an act of patriotism, not nationalism," says Suresh Raina backing MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan badge' gloves amid nation-wide campaign

Weighing-in to nation-wide support pouring in for MS Dhoni, colleague and Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has come in defence of former skipper.

In a tweet, Raina said that MS Dhoni has simply expressed his love for country by 'houring sacrifices of our heroes'

He ded that act must be considered as 'patriotism and t nationalism'

In latest update, while BCCI has backed Dhoni's decision to keep his glove on Friday, ICC CEO Dave Richardson speaking to Republic TV said that re clearly seems to be a violation of dress code while declining to comment on MS Dhoni's intention.

"re is a specific rule of ICC that clearly talks about dress code. Clearly, this seems to be a violation. I am t commenting on what was Dhoni's intention but ICC may or may t reconsider its stand even if Dhoni & BCCI convince ir intention," he said.

Earlier in day, BCCI h spoken to Republic TV sources saying that y h alrey written a letter to ICC on seeking clearance for MS Dhoni to continue wearing insignia bge on his gloves, with Committee of ministrators chief Vid Rai confirming news.

Rai also said in a statement to Republic sources saying: "We have alrey written (to ICC to seek permission for MS Dhoni to wear 'Balidaan' insignia on his gloves), will speak more after meeting (CoA meeting)."

Rai has also said that insignia worn by Dhoni was neir commercial or religious ding that Dhoni was t in breach of any ICC regulations, in conversation to PTI.

" BCCI h alrey sent a formal request to ICC for clearance. 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," he said.

entire controversy started when International Cricket Council (ICC), on Thursday, requested Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to get 'Balidaan' insignia removed from Indian cricketer and former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's wicketkeeping gloves citing that ICC official rules regarding equipment and clothing do t allow show of political and religious messs during a match.

MS Dhoni was seen sporting 'Balidaan Bge' or regimental dagger insignia of Indian Para Special Forces on his wicketkeeping gloves during India vs South Africa World Cup match on Wednesday. 'Balidaan Bge' was clearly spotted when veteran wicketkeeper-batsman dismissed Andile Phehlukwayo in 40th over of South African innings in India’ first World Cup match on Wednesday.

After ICC's decision to ask BCCi to get insignia removed, many military officials, actors, sportspersons, government authorities have vocally supported MS Dhoni to keep gloves on sporting insignia.

Incidentally, MS Dhoni is a Lieutenant Colonel in Para-Air troops on Indian Army and belongs to same regiment as Para Special forces whose bge he is seen sporting.