New Delhi: The Congress on Friday came out in support of former Indian captain MS Dhoni as ICC asked BCCI to get the "Balidaan Badge" removed from his wicketkeeping gloves.
"MS Dhoni is a Lt. Colonel in the Indian Army. Moreover, he is special forces designate. ICC rules state that any form of political, religious & racial statement can't be made with the playing outfit. The insignia does none of that," Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi tweeted with the hashtag "#DhoniKeepTheGlove".
India's opening game against South Africa in the ongoing cricket World Cup saw Dhoni once again profess his love for the security forces.
He was spotted with the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicket-keeping gloves when television replays showed him stumping Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings, bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal.
It has a commando dagger pointed downwards, with upward-extending wings extending from the blade and a scroll superimposed on the blade with "Balidaan" inscribed in Devanagari script. Only paramilitary commandos are allowed to wear the Balidaan badge.
Dhoni was conferred with an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011. He had also undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015.
Also read: #DhoniKeepTheGlove: Fans want Dhoni to keep Army insignia on gloves
