New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a step to pay tribute to the former captain, MS Dhoni, by deciding to retire the No. 7 jersey associated with him. This jersey, which became synonymous with Dhoni's career, particularly during his captaincy tenure and achievements in ICC events, will no longer be available for current and future Indian players.

Just as Sachin Tendulkar's No. 10 jersey was previously retired by the Indian board, the decision to retire Dhoni's No. 7 jersey underscores the profound impact he had on Indian cricket. Sources reveal that the BCCI has communicated to current players that the No. 7 jersey is off-limits, mirroring the protocol established for Tendulkar's iconic No. 10.

The Indian Express has corroborated this information, quoting a senior BCCI official who stated, "The young players and current Indian team players have been told not to pick M S Dhoni's Number 7 jersey. The BCCI has decided to retire Dhoni's T-shirt for his contribution to the game. A new player can't get No. 7, and No. 10 was already off the list of available numbers."

It is noteworthy that during his early days, fast bowler Shardul Thakur briefly wore the No. 10 shirt, but the BCCI retired the number after that period.

The BCCI official further explained that a total of 60 numbers are presently designated for regular and aspiring players in the Indian team. Even if a player is temporarily out of the team, the board refrains from reassigning their number to a new player, leaving recent debutants with a limited pool of around 30 numbers to choose from.

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Mathura (UP) (PTI): A Muslim community panchayat in Mathura district has taken a unique decision to curb extravagance and unnecessary rituals during weddings, imposing a fine of Rs 11,000 and social boycott on families found violating the norms, community leaders said on Monday.

The decision was taken unanimously at a panchayat organised by the Eidgah Committee in Kosi Kalan town on Friday. The meeting was held at a sarai in the Nikasa locality.

Committee president Moinuddin Gadsania and vice-president Haji Sadiq said the panchayat resolved that no Muslim family would organise a nikah ceremony at hotels, guest houses or marriage halls. The nikah will be solemnised only in mosques, while the walima (post-marriage feast) may be held at hotels or other venues.

They said the use of DJs during weddings has been completely banned. If the rule is violated, no imam or qazi in the town will perform the nikah ceremony.

The practice of presenting gifts or cash to the groom as part of the 'salami' ritual has also been prohibited. Other forms of ostentation, including fireworks and wasteful customs, have similarly been barred.

The ban on DJs will apply even if a wedding procession travels to another town, the panchayat clarified. Members said loud music and dancing at weddings often lead to disputes, disturbing social harmony and unity.

The panchayat further decided that violators of the rules would face a fine of Rs 11,000 along with social boycott. The committee said it would also try to implement similar decisions in other villages and communities.

Community elders said the objective of the decision was to check rising wedding expenses, curb social evils, prevent disputes during marriage functions and reduce the financial burden on families, especially the younger generation.

A large number of prominent community members, including the committee secretary, Mehraraj Qureshi, were present at the panchayat.