'Nothing to do with it': Indian Army distances itself from Mahendra Singh Dhoni's gloves controversy

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 5 May. Talking to reporters after a passing-out parade at the Indian Military Academy, 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.