Not the one to mince his words, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has called out Team India’s fan group “Bharat Army” for showing disrespect to the Indian flag in the ongoing first Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Gavaskar suggested Bharat Army to come up with a flag of their own. Currently, the fan group uses India’s tricolor, with “Bharat” and “Army” written over it.

“I know that in India it’s not accepted,” Gavaskar said while doing commentary on ABC Sport during the second day’s play in Perth.

“I 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.

“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.

As per section two of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, “there shall be no lettering upon the national flag” of India.

It 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.”

The Bharat Army is seen as the most loyal group of Indian cricket fans. It was formed in 1999 and has more than 160,000 members globally.