BCCI asks ICC for flexibility on Dhoni's gloves insignia issue

The BCCI has asked the ICC to show flexibility in regards to the insignia sported by captain MS Dhoni but maintain that they will play by the rules of cricket's governing body.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) asked India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni to remove an army insignia from his wicketkeeping gloves, forcing New Delhi to weigh in after a nationalistic furore in the country.

Dhoni, one of the game's biggest stars, is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the territorial army and sported its dagger insignia on his gloves during India's opening match against South Africa in the World Cup, hosted by England and Wales.

The ICC said its clothing and equipment rules allow only manufacturers' logos on gloves, and that Dhoni or the Indian team had not sought any permission to sport the badge.

"We will play the game by the rules of the ICC in letter and spirit," Vinod Rai, who is the chairman of the COA was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

"If there is a specific norm that has to be followed, we will not break that norm. However, if there is any flexibility available, we have sought permission for the ICC to allow the player to wear the gloves."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist government on Friday urged the country's cricket board (BCCI) to sort out the matter.

"The government does not interfere in matters of sports bodies, they are autonomous," Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Twitter.

"But when the issue is related to the country's sentiments, then the interest of the nation has to be kept in mind. I urge the BCCI to take appropriate steps on the issue."