The International Cricket Council’s objection to Special Forces’ insignia on India’s wicketkeeper MS Dhoni’s keeping gloves is, to say the least, stupid. It is an example of how blindsided an administrative body can be when it comes to regulating the sport.

Defenders of the ICC may want to take a position that the cricketing body is playing by the rulebook and rules are above everything. But where is it in the rulebook that prevents the display of Dhoni’s love for the Indian Army and its special forces?

In the past, the ICC has taken action against players for displaying political messages. If one has to strictly look at the rulebook, there is nothing that would say Dhoni has violated any rules. The rule states and we quote: 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 insignia on Dhoni’s wicket-keeping gloves does not fit any of the criteria listed by the ICC.

Dhoni has been honoured by the Indian Army for his contribution to sport and was ranked as Lieutenant Colonel back in 2011, after India won the Cricket World Cup under his captaincy. Dhoni has reciprocated his love for the army and recently attended the Padma Awards ceremony in full army uniform. It seems that the ICC acted after a Pakistan minister objecting to the insignia, but then this is nothing short of a knee-jerk reaction.

Dhoni’s love for the Indian Army cannot be automatically translated as hatred towards any particular nation. He has been a true ambassador for the sport and he should receive the full backing of the Board for Control of Cricket in India.