Windies batting star Chris Gayle was not allowed to use a specially branded ‘Universe Boss’ bat for the ICC Cricket World Cup final.
Chris Gayle sports his specially designed World Cup Cricket bat
According to reports, the 39-year-old batsman had sought special permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to imprint his moniker on the bat ahead of the tournament. The request would, however, have violated the ICC code as its related to the displaying of messages. The issue came to the fore after the ICC on Friday also denied India wicketkeeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni permission to wear a dagger insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves.
“The regulations for ICC events do not permit any individual message or logo to be displayed on any items of clothing or equipment,” the ICC said.
“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,” an official privy to the detail of the situation later told the media.
During India’s World Cup 2019 opener against South Africa at Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 5, MS Dhoni sported a pair of wicketkeeping gloves with regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. He has since had to remove the symbol. (Sportsmax)
