Pune: Hardik Pandya had a ball with his teammates and girlfriend Mahieka Sharma at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night as India celebrated winning the T20 World Cup title for the third time.
The allrounder’s intimate moments with his girlfriend caught everyone’s attention. One of their videos, showing Hardik and Mahika lying on the podium, was even criticised by a section of netizens.
There could be more trouble for the flamboyant cricketer.
Wajid Khan, an advocate. has lodged a complaint with Shivaji Nagar police station in Pune seeking registration of an FIR against Hardik for allegedly insulting the national flag during the victory celebrations.
In his application, Wajid stated that Hardik wrapped the Tricolour around his body and indulged in obscene behaviour on the ground while celebrating India’s 96-run win in the final against New Zealand, in violation of the 1971 National Flag Act.
“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 advocate said in his complaint.
Speaking to ANI, Wajid 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… 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,”
“I have filed a complaint with 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,” the advocate added.
#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
The 32-year-old Hardik is one of the four Indian players included in ICC’s Team of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The others are Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.