India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has landed in legal trouble after a Pune-based lawyer filed a police complaint accusing him of disrespecting the Indian national flag during the team’s T20 World Cup victory celebrations in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The complaint was submitted at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station. It relates to the celebrations that took place on the field at Narendra Modi Stadium after India lifted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy for a record third time.
A police officer confirmed on Wednesday that advocate Wajid Khan had filed a complaint seeking action in the matter. However, the officer did not share further details about the case.
Videos of Celebrations Circulate Online
According to the complaint, several clips from India’s post-match celebrations quickly spread across social media platforms. In one widely shared video, Pandya can be seen celebrating while the Indian tricolour is draped over his shoulders. He appears to be dancing and running across the ground with the flag wrapped around him.
🚨 WAJID KHAN FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST HARDIK PANDYA 🚨
"You must have seen the T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend with the national flag. According to 1971 National Flag Act, we should respect the dignity of the national flag" pic.twitter.com/khBPoRLBpa — Fan Account Richard Kettlebourogh (@RichKettle07) March 12, 2026
The complaint further claims that during the celebrations Pandya was also seen lying on the stage beside his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma while the national flag remained draped over him. The complainant alleges that this act amounts to disrespect toward the tricolour.
Speaking to Asian News International, Khan said, "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."
He added, "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."
Why the Complaint Was Filed in Pune
Khan also explained that police initially pointed out that the incident occurred in Ahmedabad. However, he argued that the Indian national flag represents the entire country. Therefore, he believed the complaint could also be filed in Pune.
"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 said.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online. Many fans dismissed the controversy, saying the players were simply celebrating a historic victory and did not intend any disrespect. Others argued that the national flag should have been handled more carefully during such celebrations.
India’s Historic World Cup Victory
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final on Sunday to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the third time. With this victory, India became the first team to win the tournament three times and also the first side to lift the trophy on home soil.