The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has retired the No. 7 jersey to honour former India captain MS Dhoni. India won three ICC titles under the veteran, who wore the No.7.
It is the second jersey number to be retired as the apex body of Indian cricket had taken the same call regarding the iconic No.10 jersey of great Sachin Tendulkar.
According to a report by Indian Express, the BCCI has informed the players that numbers 7 and 10 are no longer available.
“The current and the upcoming cricketers have been told about the move. They will not be able to pick MS Dhoni’s number 7 jersey. The BCCI has retired Dhoni’s jersey number, keeping in mind his contributions to the Indian cricket. The No.10 is already unavailable,” said a board official.
Dhoni had revealed earlier that the No.7 jersey was lucky for him as it was his birthdate (July 7).
“Around 60 numbers are designated to the regular Indian players. Even if a player isofff the team for ayearr, his number is not given to anyone else. The debutants have 30 numbers to choose from,” the BCCI official added.