Hardik Pandya: A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the Indian flag during victory celebrations.

Following India's T20 World Cup victory celebrations, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has found himself embroiled in a new controversy. A complaint has been filed against him for allegedly insulting the national flag. The complaint was filed by Pune-based lawyer Wajid Khan Bidkar, who has demanded appropriate legal action in the matter. He has submitted a written application to the police, requesting an investigation and action against the cricketer. According to news agency ANI, the complaint was filed at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Bengaluru, while news agency PTI reported that the complaint was filed at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Pune. Wajid has requested the police to file an FIR against Hardik in this matter.

Complaint Based on Social Media Videos

According to the complaint, several videos of the players' celebrations following India's victory have gone viral on social media. In these videos, Pandya can be seen running and dancing on the field with the tricolor draped over his shoulders. The lawyer alleges that a video of the celebration shows Pandya lying on the stage with his girlfriend, even though the Indian flag was draped over his shoulders. The complainant states that such behavior is disrespectful of the national flag.

Lawyer Cited the Law

Wajid Khan Bidkar stated that it is every citizen's responsibility to maintain the dignity of the Indian national flag, and that a law exists to protect it. He stated that he has filed a complaint in this matter, citing the law governing the national flag.

He told news agency ANI, "You must have seen the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend while celebrating his victory. The national flag was tied behind him. According to Section 2 of the National Flag Act of 1971, we must respect the dignity of the national flag. But Hardik Pandya was so engrossed in the celebration that he was lying down with his girlfriend, even though the national flag was still on his body. I believe this is an insult to the national flag."

Process for filing a complaint

The lawyer explained that initially, the police stated that the incident occurred in Ahmedabad, so the complaint should be filed there. However, they argued that the national flag symbolizes the entire country and matters related to its dignity can be raised anywhere.

He said, "I filed a complaint at the Shivaji Nagar police station. When I went to file the complaint, they said the incident didn't occur there. Then I explained that the national flag symbolizes the entire country, so a complaint can be filed here as well. They accepted my complaint and gave me a copy. Now, let's see what happens next."

Pandya described the victory as the fulfillment of a personal promise.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya described the T20 World Cup win as the fulfillment of his personal resolve. He said this is just the beginning, and the team wants to win more trophies. Pandya said, "After the victory in Barbados in 2024, I promised myself that in every tournament I play, I will play to win and lift the trophy." This victory against New Zealand in Ahmedabad is proof that my promise has come true. And this is just the beginning.

Stellar Tournament Performance

The 32-year-old Pandya performed brilliantly with both bat and ball in the T20 World Cup 2026. He took nine wickets throughout the tournament and bowled match-winning spells at crucial moments. His batting also played a significant role, playing short but sharp and impactful innings in several matches. This performance earned him a place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament.

India Creates History

The Indian team, on the other hand, created history with its impressive performance in the tournament. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final to win the title. With this victory, India achieved several major achievements. This marked the first time a team won the T20 World Cup on its home soil. Furthermore, it also set a record for winning the title for the second consecutive time. India has now become the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times. India previously won its first title in 2007 and then won its second in 2024. Amidst this historic victory, the controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya has become a topic of discussion, and further police action will clarify the situation.