Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has landed in controversy after a complaint was filed alleging disrespect to the national flag during celebrations following India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Hardik Pandya Faces Controversy After T20 World Cup Victory Celebrations
New Delhi: Amid the celebrations following India's T20 World Cup victory, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has found himself embroiled in a new controversy. A complaint has been filed against him for allegedly insulting the national flag. Pune-based lawyer Wajid Khan Bidkar has filed the complaint with the police, demanding legal action in the matter. A written application has been submitted to the police requesting an investigation and registration of an FIR.
According to the complaint, several videos of players celebrating India's T20 World Cup victory have gone viral on social media. In these videos, Hardik Pandya can be seen running and dancing on the field with the tricolor draped over his shoulders.
It is alleged that in one video, Pandya is seen lying on the stage with his girlfriend, while the tricolor is still draped over his shoulders. The complainant states that such behavior is against the dignity of the national flag and that it is every citizen's responsibility to maintain its respect.
Complainant Wajid Khan Bidkar has demanded action, citing the law governing the national flag. He stated that it is the duty of all citizens to respect the national flag.
Speaking to the media, he stated that during the victory celebrations, Pandya was seen lying on the stage with the national flag, which was against the flag's dignity. According to him, such behavior is considered inappropriate under the rules governing the national flag.
The lawyer explained that the police initially stated that the incident occurred in Ahmedabad, so the complaint should be filed there. However, he argued that the national flag symbolizes the entire country and that a case related to it can be raised anywhere.
Finally, the police accepted his complaint and provided a copy of it. The police will now investigate the matter further and only then will a decision be taken on any action.
Amidst the controversy, it is also noteworthy that Hardik Pandya performed brilliantly in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He took nine wickets throughout the tournament and played a key role in the team's victory on several crucial occasions. He also played quick and useful innings with the bat.
The Indian team defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to win the title. With this victory, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times. Previously, India had also won the title in 2007 and 2024.
However, amid the celebration of this historic victory, the controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya has now become a topic of discussion. Only after a police investigation will it be clear what further action will be taken in this matter.
