A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya by a Pune-based advocate, alleging disrespect to the Indian national flag during the celebrations following India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.
The complaint was submitted at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station and relates to the post-match celebrations held at the Narendra Modi Stadium after India won the tournament on Sunday. India secured the title after defeating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final, marking a historic achievement for the team.
#WATCH | Pune: Advocate Wajid Khan says, "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… pic.twitter.com/mHVHn336ql
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
According to the complaint, several videos showing the Indian team celebrating on the field have circulated widely on social media platforms. In one such video, Hardik Pandya can reportedly be seen celebrating with the Indian Tricolour draped over his shoulders while running and dancing on the field with teammates.
The complainant has alleged that the manner in which the national flag was used during the celebration amounted to disrespect. The complaint further claims that at one point during the celebrations, Pandya was seen lying on a stage with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, while the national flag remained draped over him.
Advocate Ali Khan, who filed the complaint, told Asian News International (ANI) that he believed the act violated provisions related to the dignity of 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,” Khan said.
He further referred to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, stating that the national flag must be treated with respect at all times. According to the complainant, using the flag in a manner that could be interpreted as casual or inappropriate during celebrations may constitute an insult to the national symbol.
Khan stated that Pandya appeared to be celebrating enthusiastically without paying attention to the presence of the national flag. “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 while wearing the national flag. I believe it is an insult to the national flag,” he said.
The advocate also addressed the question of jurisdiction. Police officials initially informed him that the alleged incident occurred in Ahmedabad, where the final match and celebrations took place. However, Khan argued that because the national flag represents the entire country, a complaint could be filed in Pune as well.
“I have filed a complaint with the Shivaji Nagar police station. They have accepted my complaint and provided me with a copy. Let’s see what happens next,” he added.
Authorities at the police station have reportedly accepted the complaint and issued a copy to the complainant. It remains unclear whether a formal case will be registered or if further preliminary inquiry will be conducted.
The incident has sparked varied reactions on social media. Some users have defended Pandya, stating that the celebrations reflected the excitement and emotion following a major sporting victory. Others, however, have argued that national symbols such as the Indian flag should be handled with greater caution and respect even during celebratory moments.
India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final was considered historic, as the team became the first side to win the tournament three times. The match was played in front of a large crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium, one of the world’s largest cricket venues.
While the focus of the evening was largely on the team’s performance and achievement, the complaint against Hardik Pandya has introduced a legal dimension to the aftermath of the celebrations.
As of now, neither Pandya nor representatives of the Indian cricket team have publicly responded to the allegations. The next steps will depend on the police’s assessment of the complaint and whether they determine that the matter warrants further legal action under the relevant provisions of Indian law.