Army keeps Dhoni glove controversy at arm’s length, says it has ‘nothing to do with it’

Cricketer M.S. Dhoni had sported gloves with the Balidaan badge of the parachute regiment's special force on India's opening world cup match.

(Representational Image) M S Dhoni announced his retirement on 15 August 2020 through an Instagram post| Prabhu @Cricprabhu | Twitter

Dehradun: The Indian Army Saturday distanced itself from the controversy surrounding the daggar insignia on Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s gloves, saying it had nothing to do with it.

Dhoni’s gloves sported the Balidan badge of the parachute regiment’s special force during India’s opening world cup match against South Africa in Southampton in England on May 5.

Talking to reporters after a passing-out parade at the Indian Military Academy here, GOC-in-C (South-Western Command) Lt Gen Cherish Matheson said it was Dhoni’s personal decision to wear the Army insignia on his gloves and the Army had nothing to do with it.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) alone could take a decision on the issue, he said.

Being an honorary lieutenant colonel of the regiment, the insignia is embossed on Dhoni’s gloves.

When the ICC objected to it, the BCCI had sought permission for it, which was turned down by the world cricketing body.

The ICC said players could wear logos of sponsors only.