Complaint Filed Against Hardik Pandya for ‘Insulting’ National Flag After 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final
A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag during the victory celebrations following the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The complaint was submitted to the police in Pune, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the star all-rounder.
According to reports, advocate Wajid Khan filed the complaint with officials at Shivaji Nagar Police Station. A police officer confirmed on Wednesday that the complaint application had been received, although further details regarding the case have not yet been disclosed.
In his application, Khan alleged that Pandya wrapped the Indian tricolour around his body and engaged in inappropriate or “obscene” behavior on the ground during the post-match celebrations. The incident reportedly took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad after India’s victory against New Zealand national cricket team in the tournament final.
The complaint claims that such actions amount to disrespect toward the national flag and could constitute an offence under relevant laws governing the dignity and proper usage of the Indian tricolour. The application further stated that every citizen has a responsibility to uphold the honour and respect of the national flag and urged authorities to take appropriate legal action if the allegations are found to be valid.
Despite the controversy, Pandya has been widely praised for his on-field performance during the tournament. The 32-year-old all-rounder played a crucial role in India’s campaign, contributing both with the bat and the ball. He scored two half-centuries in the competition, including a rapid 52 off 28 balls against Namibia national cricket team, and finished the tournament with nine wickets.
Reflecting on the victory in a post-match interview with Star Sports, Pandya said the title was the fulfilment of a personal promise he had made to himself after the previous tournament. India had earlier won the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados by defeating South Africa national cricket team in the final.
“After the win in Barbados in 2024, I promised myself that whichever tournament I play, I will play to win and lift the trophy. This victory against New Zealand in Ahmedabad proves that the promise I made to myself has become a reality. And this is just the start,” Pandya said.
Pandya also spoke about the personal and professional challenges he faced before the 2024 World Cup. According to him, the period leading up to that tournament was particularly difficult, but he was determined to make a strong comeback and help India succeed on the global stage.
“When the 2024 World Cup began, I had made up my mind that I wanted redemption. I wanted to come back strongly and contribute to the team’s success,” he said.
In the 2024 edition of the tournament, Pandya had delivered an impressive all-round performance, scoring 144 runs at an average of 48 and taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.64. His consistent performances in both editions of the tournament also earned him a place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India’s triumph in Ahmedabad was historic, as the team became the first side to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and also win the tournament three times, having previously lifted the trophy in the inaugural 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
While Pandya’s contributions on the field have been widely celebrated, the complaint filed in Pune has sparked debate around the conduct of players during celebrations involving the national flag. Authorities are expected to examine the complaint and decide whether any legal action is warranted.
