London: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has targeted MS Dhoni after he was seen sporting an Army insignia on his gloves during India's ICC World Cup 2019 match against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton.

Dhoni's gloves had the "Balidaan" badge of the Indian Para Special Forces. The pictures were widely shared on social media and fans had heaped praise on the former skipper.

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However, now ICC has requested the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) to ask Dhoni to remove that regimental dagger insignia.

"We have requested the BCCI to get it removed," Claire Furlong, ICC general manager, strategic communications, was quoted as saying in the media.

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South Africa game was not the first time that Dhoni had showed his love and respect for the Army. During the home series against Australia, thanks to Dhoni, India players wore Army caps during ODI match in Ranchi.

During that game in February, India paid tributes to the martyrs of Pulwama terror attack.

Dhoni had been conferred with an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment. In 2015, he also underwent training under the Para Brigade.

As per ICC rules, players cannot promote messages related to political, religious and racial activities.

According to ICC regulations, "The ICC 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 fans who had praised Dhoni for sporting “Balidaan” badge defended the star cricketer after ICC’s request to BCCI. Many questioned the global cricket governing body and pointed out that Dhoni was not promoting any political message on his gloves.

India next face Australia on Sunday (June 9) at The Oval in London. Virat Kohli and his men won the first game against the Proteas by six wickets with Rohit Sharma hitting an unbeaten century.