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

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

He added that the act must be considered as 'patriotism and not nationalism'

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

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

Earlier in the day, the BCCI had spoken to Republic TV sources saying that they had already written a letter to the ICC on seeking clearance for MS Dhoni to continue wearing the insignia badge on his gloves, with the Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai confirming the news.

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

Rai has also said that the insignia worn by Dhoni was neither commercial or religious adding that Dhoni was not in breach of any ICC regulations, in conversation to PTI.

"The BCCI had already sent a formal request to the ICC for clearance. As per ICC regulations, players can't sport any commercial, religious or military logo. There was nothing commercial or religious in this regard as we all know," he said.

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

MS Dhoni was seen 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 on Wednesday. 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.

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

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