"They probably don’t understand the value, the relevance, the importance of the Indian flag" - Gavaskar slams 'Bharat Army' 

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the famous supporter group 'Bharat Army' for brandishing Indian flags which sport written material, during matches. The legion of fans mark their presence in almost all of the team's matches, playing a crucial role in revving up the atmosphere at the venue.

Along expected lines, the group stuck out among the record crowd at the Optus Stadium in Perth across the first two days of the first 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series Test.

The modified Indian flag brandished by the group has its name written across the saffron and green regions of the tricolor, while modifications have also been made to the mid-section, mainly to the iconic 'Ashoka Chakra'.

Gavaskar opined that the group should strongly consider removing the wording from the flag.

“I know that in India it’s not accepted. don’t think these [fans] are really Indians. I’m not too sure how many of them have Indian passports, so they probably don’t understand the value, the relevance, the importance of the Indian flag," Gavaskar told ABC Sports while doing commentary in the first Test in Perth (via The Indian Express).

“All Indians, including me, are very grateful for the support that they bring to the Indian cricket team wherever the Indian cricket team is playing. We are really, really thankful and grateful for that, but I would request them not to have their group’s name on the India flag. Design a new flag of your own. If you design a new flag of your own, I will myself wear it with great pleasure," he added.

The Bharat Army was founded in Manchester in 1999, India's response to the iconic Barmy Army. Initially beginning with just four founding members, the group has expanded to a 160,000-strong contingent worldwide.

Is Bharat Army's flag modification in breach of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act

The Barmy Army often sports writing on the England flag, the iconic Saint George's cross, which is a common sight in the stands during the English summer.

As far ast the Bharat Army is concerned, section two of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 states:

“The national flag shall not be used as a portion of costume or uniform or accessory of any description which is worn below the waist of any person nor shall it be embroidered or printed on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, undergarments or any dress material."

It remains to be seen whether the issue escalates, which may lead to the Bharat Army removing the wording from the flag, and brandishing something new to retain their essence.