Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has landed in hot waters as an advocate has sought FIR against him with Pune Police for allegedly insulting the national flag after T20 World Cup 2026 victory. Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Pune has confirmed that the complaint application was submitted by advocate Wajid Khan, stating in it that Pandya wrapped the tri-colour around his body and indulged in obscene behaviour while celebrating the T20 World Cup 2026 win.
“I told them that the national flag is a symbol of the entire nation” – Advocate Wajid Khan on filing complaint against Hardik Pandya
According to the complaint, several videos of the Indian team’s on-field celebrations after winning the tournament have gone viral on social media. In one such video, Pandya is seen celebrating with the Tricolour draped over his shoulder while dancing and running on the field. The complainant has alleged that during the celebrations, Pandya was seen lying on the stage with his girlfriend while the Tricolour was still draped over his shoulder, which allegedly amounted to disrespect to the national flag.
“You must have seen the T20 World Cup here. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of his victory. The national flag was tied to his back… According to Section 2 of the 1971 National Flag Act, we should respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so lost in the celebration of his victory that he was lying with his girlfriend, wearing the national flag… I believe it is an insult to the national flag,” Advocate Wajid Khan told ANI.
“I have filed a complaint with the Shivaji Nagar police station. When I went to file the complaint, they told me the incident occurred there, not here. So I told them that the national flag is a symbol of the entire nation, and we can file a complaint with the Shivaji Nagar police. They have accepted my complaint and provided me with a copy. Let’s see what happens next. I have filed the complaint,” Khan added.
The Men in Blue beat New Zealand by 96 runs on Sunday to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title. The victory made India the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to win consecutive titles after their 2024 win, and the first to lift the trophy three times (2007, 2024, and 2026).
(With inputs from ANI)
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