‘Insulting the flag’: Complaint filed against Hardik Pandya over T20 World Cup celebrations

New Delhi: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has been slapped with a complaint after he disrespected the national flag during India’s celebrations following their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory. The complaint, filed by advocate Wajid Khan Bidkar of Shivaji Nagar police station, alleged that the all-rounder insulted the tricolor during the team’s on-field celebrations after the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.According to the complaint, several videos of victory celebrations went viral on social media, showing Pandya celebrating with a national flag draped over his shoulders. The complainant claimed that during the celebrations, the cricketer was seen dancing and later lying on the stage with the flag still wrapped around him.

Khan argued that the act amounted to disrespect for the national flag and violated the provisions of the Prevention of Insult to National Honor Act 1971.“You must have seen the T20 World Cup celebrations. Hardik Pandya danced with his girlfriend to celebrate his victory. The national flag was tied on his back,” Khan told ANI.“As per Section 2 of the Flag Act, 1971, we should respect the dignity of the flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so lost in the celebrations that he was lying with his girlfriend while wearing the national flag. I think this is an insult to the national flag,” he added.Khan said he initially faced jurisdictional questions from the police since the incident took place in Ahmedabad. However, he insisted a complaint could still be made because the flag represents the entire country.“When I went to complain, they told me that the incident happened there and not here. I told them that the flag is the symbol of the entire country and we can complain here. They have accepted my complaint and gave me a copy,” he said.A police officer at Shivaji Nagar station confirmed receipt of the application but gave no further details on possible action.The complaint came after India’s overwhelming victory over the New Zealand national cricket team in Sunday’s final. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.The victory also marked a historic milestone for the Indian national cricket team. The team became the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first team to win back-to-back titles after winning it in 2024, and the first country to lift the trophy three times, having previously won it in 2007 and 2024.