A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya with the Pune Police, alleging that the Indian all-rounder insulted the national flag during India’s celebrations after the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad.
Advocate Wajid Khan submitted the complaint seeking an FIR against Pandya for allegedly wrapping the tricolour around his body and behaving in an inappropriate manner on the field.
The incident is said to have taken place after India national cricket team defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Ahmedabad.
Police confirmed that they have received the complaint but have not shared further details about whether any case has been registered.
According to the complaint, disrespecting the national flag is a punishable offence and citizens must protect its dignity.
“The act constitutes an offence under the relevant law, and legal action should be taken. It is the duty of every citizen to respect the dignity of the national flag,” the complaint stated.
India created history in the final by defeating New Zealand in Ahmedabad to win the T20 World Cup. The victory made India the first team to successfully defend the title.
It was also India’s third T20 World Cup triumph after earlier wins in 2007 and 2024.
Pandya played a key role in both the 2024 and 2026 title runs with strong performances with bat and ball. His all-round displays also earned him a place in the ICC Team of the Tournament.
The 2026 triumph continued a personal comeback story for Pandya that began before the previous T20 World Cup.
“After the win in Barbados (in 2024 final against South Africa), I promised myself that whichever tournament I play, I will play to win and I will lift the trophy. This win against New Zealand in Ahmedabad is a validation that the promise I made to myself has become a reality. And this is just the start,” Pandya said.
The all-rounder also spoke about the challenges he faced before the 2024 World Cup.
“When we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, I was facing a lot of difficulties personally. Many things had happened before that tournament and things were not going my way. Before the 2024 World Cup started, I had made up my mind that I was going for redemption.”
“I wanted to make a dominating comeback. I did that and helped my team win the trophy after 17 years.”
Reflecting on the latest title win, Pandya said representing India remains his biggest motivation.
“Coming to this T20 World Cup victory in Ahmedabad, this is something I have always lived for. I play cricket to do well for my country and win trophies. I want to win all the trophies for India,” Pandya said.