New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni's wicketkeeping gloves with the with regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces has created an uproar in the cricketing fraternity with Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry now slamming the former India captain for supporting the crest.
Fawad Chaudhry, who is Pakistan's Federal Minister for Science and Technology, put out a tweet on social media voicing his opinion on the matter of Dhoni's wicketkeeping gloves and slammed the Indian media for debating on the matter.
"Dhoni is in England to play cricket not to for MahaBharta , what an idiotic debate in Indian Media,a section of Indian media is so obsessed with War they should be sent to Syria, Afghanistan Or Rawanda as mercenaries," Fawad Chaudhry tweeted.
Also Read: World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni uses Indian Army emblem on his keeping gloves in South Africa match
The "Balidaan Badge" or the Army insignia was spotted on MS Dhoni's gloves during India's opening match of the World Cup 2019 against South Africa on Wednesday as television replays showed him stumping Andile Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal.
The pictures of Dhoni's gloves went viral on social media within no time and fans poured in love and respect for the 37-year-old.
The rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC) however, clearly state that "equipment and clothing regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match."
The ICC as a result, asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday to get the symbol removed from Dhoni's gloves.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications, said that the BCCI has been asked to get the symbol removed from Dhoni's gloves. "We have requested the BCCI to get it removed," she said.
Balidan is a distinct insignia of the Special Forces, which form part of the Parachute Regiment. It has a commando dagger pointed downwards, with upward-extending wings extending from the blade and a scroll superimposed on the blade with "Balidan" inscribed in Devanagari. Only Paramilitary Commandos are allowed to wear the Balidan Badge.
Dhoni, who has been conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011, had also undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015.