Big provocation: ICC takes issue with MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' tribute to India's para forces, asks BCCI to get it taken off his gloves

While Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting the 'Balidaan Badge' or the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicketkeeping gloves during the India vs South Africa World Cup match made headlines, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to get it removed. 

READ: MS Dhoni Spotted Donning The 'Balidan' Badge On His Wicket-keeping Glove During World Cup Match Against South Africa

According to reports, the decision was prompted by the ICC official rules regarding equipment and clothing that do not allow the show of political and religious messages during a match. 

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager - Strategic Communications has confirmed the news and called it as against regulations. When asked if Dhoni could be penalised, Furlong said that there will be no action for the first breach and that it was only a request to remove the badge.

The 'Balidaan Badge' was clearly spotted when the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman dismissed Andile Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the South African innings in India’ first World Cup match on Wednesday. 

The regimental dagger is the insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces.

In 2011, Dhoni was given an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel and he has undergone training for a brief period with the para regiment. During the course of his training in Agra, Dhoni is believed to have done five parachute jumps during the training period.

READ: IN PICTURES | Netizens Are In Awe Of Ziva Dhoni As She Turns Cheerleader To Support Dad MS Dhoni In World Cup 2019

The former skipper's love for the Army is well known, as he has often expressed his desire of joining the forces.

Earlier this year, Dhoni and the Indian team wore army caps during the ODI match against Australia at Ranchi as a tribute to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the February 14 Pulwama terror attack.

Even at that time, the Pakistan Cricket Board had objected to it and even approached the ICC against it. 

The ICC had then responded that Team India had taken prior permission ahead of their gesture.

India, who began their World Cup campaign on Wednesday, defeated South Africa by six wickets as Rohit Sharma struck an unbeaten century.

Dhoni also looked in fine touch in the match as he scored 34 runs but he was dismissed at the end of the match by Chris Morris.
India will next face Australia in the World Cup on June 9. 

(With inputs from PTI)