Mumbai: The Indian cricket team could be warned against having the tricolour on their helmets before the semifinal clash against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The Mohali police had been alerted to ensure that the national flag is not disrespected during the match between India and Australia.
Social filmmaker and activist, P Ullhas, had lodged a complaint regarding the issue to Mohali police.
(Photo: DC)
“It is illegal to paste tricolour on helmets. Our national pride is disrespected by that, it is shameful to note that the players are seen spitting on the ground where they also put their helmet (when not in use),” said Ullhas, who brought the matter to skipper MS Dhoni’s notice through Twitter.
“Dhoni stopped using the tricolour but others have not. Hence, I took the matter to the cops in Mohali,” he added.
Barring Dhoni, almost all Team India players who batted on Sunday wore the tricolour on their head.
"I was directed by the Delhi High Court and the Home Ministry to inform the nearest police station where players violate the laws,” said Ullhas, who will come down to Mumbai for the semifinal and will inform Mumbai police about the issue.
On the other hand, IPS rank police officer Navnihal Singh said their duty is to ensure smooth functioning of the match.
“Our duty is to ensure the match is conducted smoothly. On players who are violating laws, we can only take action if we receive instructions from the Deputy Collector,” he said.
"So far we have not received any such instructions. The order has to come from the BCCI office", an influential member of the team management said.
Interestingly, the same activist also drew the attention of Amitabh Bachchan for his incorrect pronunciation while singing the National Anthem before the commencement of the India-Pakistan match at Eden Gardens recently.
