Did Hardik Pandya disrespect the national flag? Complaint filed after viral celebration video
Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has landed in controversy following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup victory, after a complaint accused him of allegedly disrespecting the national flag during the team’s on-field celebrations in Ahmedabad.
What is the complaint against Hardik Pandya?
A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya at the Shivaji Nagar police station in Bengaluru over alleged disrespect to the national flag during celebrations after India’s T20 World Cup victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The complaint was submitted by Pune-based lawyer Wajed Khan Bidkar, who has demanded appropriate action in the matter.
Bidkar filed a written application at the Shivajinagar Police Station seeking action against the Indian cricketer.
What happened during the celebrations?
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 can be seen celebrating with the Tricolour draped over his shoulder while dancing and running on the field.
The complainant 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 he claimed amounted to disrespect towards the national flag.
What did the complainant say?
Advocate Wajid Khan explained the basis of his complaint while speaking to ANI.
Iran After the Imam
06 Mar 2026 - Vol 04 | Issue 61
Dispatches from a Middle East on fire
“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.
He also said the police accepted his complaint despite the incident taking place in another city.
“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.
Why was the celebration significant for Indian cricket?
The controversy comes just days after India secured a historic win in the T20 World Cup.
The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand by 96 runs on Sunday to successfully defend their title.
The victory made India the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to claim back-to-back titles after their 2024 triumph, and the first team to lift the trophy three times, following earlier wins in 2007, 2024 and 2026.
(With inputs from ANI)