Following the row over the army insignia known as the Balidaan Badge on keeper MS Dhoni’s gloves, it has now come to light that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had denied West Indies opener Chris Gayle the permission to sport a ‘Universe Boss’ logo on his bat.
In both instances, the ICC cited that the logos violated equipment regulations.
When the West Indies player approached the ICC and made his request, he was denied after officials told him that no sporting gear or clothing can be used for a personal message. ‘Universe Boss’ is a title which Chris Gayle bestowed upon himself.
“ICC couldn’t have made an exception for Dhoni as no personal messages are allowed on equipment. Gayle wanted it but when he was refused permission, he accepted it and moved on,” a source reportedly told PTI, adding that, “It is not about military symbolism. It is about a simple rule that no personal messages are allowed. If ICC did not make an exception for Gayle, then how come they would make it for Dhoni.”
Dhoni’s gloves had come under the scanner after the match India played against South Africa in which he had sported the dagger insignia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stepped in and supported Dhoni and requested the ICC that he be allowed to sport the badge citing that it did not have any political or religious sentiment. The ICC turned down the request and stated that the former Indian captain had to refrain from wearing the gloves.
Abiding by the rules set forth by the ICC, Dhoni was seen wearing the gloves without the badge on them in Sunday’s match against Australia, which India won by 36 runs.