After censoring former India captain MS Dhoni from sporting the keeper’s gloves which has a dagger insignia on it, now the International Cricket Council (ICC) has refused Windies swashbuckling opener Chris Gayle’s permission to use the ‘Universe Boss’ logo on his bat during the ongoing World Cup.
In both the cases ICC has cited equipment regulation violation.
Gayle, a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’, had requested the apex body to allow him use the prefix for his bat branding but he has been informed that he can’t use any clothing or sporting equipment for personal messages.
“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 privy to the development informed PTI on Sunday.
Speaking about Dhoni, the official said, “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.”
It has also been learnt that even innocuous messages or emojis are not allowed on equipment.
“Tomorrow, Moeen Ali will again request for wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ wristband which is a direct political message. We did not allow it then and we won’t allow it now. You won’t be even allowed to have a word like love’ embossed on the equipment,” the source added.
However, Dhoni is yet to get any official reprimand from the ICC for the South Africa clash, during which he wore green gloves with dagger insignia.
As per rules, if MSD sports the insignia again in any of the upcoming matches, he would first be warned and then have to face financial penalties of 25, 50 and 75 percent of match fees for every transgression.
