New Delhi, June 7: A Pakistan Minister has hit out at Indian cricketer M.S. Dhoni for sporting an Army insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves during the ongoing World Cup in England and Wales. Remove Indian Army 'Balidan' Badge From MS Dhoni's Gloves: ICC to BCCI.

"Dhoni is in England to play cricket not for MahaBharta (sic), what an idiotic debate in Indian media, a section of the Indian media is so obsessed with war they should be sent to Syria, Afghanistan or Rawanda as mercenaries.... #Idiots," tweeted Pakistan Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry.

In India's opening game against South Africa, Dhoni was once again seen professing his love for the security forces after he was spotted with regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicket-keeping gloves.

The "Balidaan Badge" or the Army insignia was spotted on Dhoni's gloves as television replays showed him stumping Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal. The International Cricket Council (ICC) later asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to get the symbol removed from Dhoni's gloves. MS Dhoni Dons Indian Army 'Balidan' Badge on Keeping Gloves During IND vs SA Match at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Fans Laud MSD's Gesture.

According to the ICC rules, "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 above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2019 11:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).