No tricolour on outfits, says Indian government

Sachin Tendulkar will have to appear without the emblem on his helmet from now on © Getty Images Enlarge

The government of India has banned cricketers and other sports stars from displaying the national flag on any of their sporting equipments. The federal home ministry cited the Flag code of India which mentions that the tricolour should not be used on costumes or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs and dress material.

The government decree has left many bemused including Sunil Dutt, India's sports minister. "I personally feel the cricketers should use the tricolour as the national flag," he told AFP. "It acts as a morale-booster. But I have to follow orders. It is the home ministry which takes decisions with regard to issues involving use of the national flag."

The announcement means that Sourav Ganguly will have to go without his usual pair of gloves with streaks of saffron, white and green. Sachin Tendulkar will also not be able to sport his helmet with the tricolour embossed in front. Tendulkar and Ganguly have agreed to follow any instructions from the government. Bishan Bedi, the former Indian captain, also backed the move and said, "The national flag is most important and should be duly respected. You can't put the helmet with the India flag alongside your shoes. I don't see it as a motivation tool, national pride or patriotism. It's all in the heart."

But Yuvraj Singh could't hide his disappointment. "I take great pride in playing with the national flag on the helmet," he said. "It's a different feeling altogether."