India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly found himself facing legal trouble just days after the team’s historic T20 World Cup triumph in Ahmedabad. The issue, which also involves his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, surfaced shortly after the celebrations following India’s victory.
Pandya played a significant role in India’s successful 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, scoring 221 runs and claiming nine key wickets. His contributions included Player of the Match performances against Zimbabwe and Namibia during the tournament.
Although he did not produce a standout finishing effort in the final, Pandya delivered an important breakthrough by dismissing Mark Chapman during his four-over spell.
Following India’s victory over New Zealand, the Men in Blue celebrated enthusiastically alongside teammates, family members, and close associates. While some players concluded their celebrations early, others, including Pandya, continued to mark the historic win with heightened emotions.
The all-rounder shared the celebratory moment with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. The pair drew considerable attention throughout the tournament, and Pandya also credited her for playing a part in India’s title-winning campaign.
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However, images and videos later showed the duo lying on the podium during the celebrations, which has reportedly led to legal complications for the cricketer. As per ANI, advocate Wajid Khan has filed a case against Pandya, alleging disrespect towards the Indian national flag, which the player had draped over his shoulder after the victory.
“You must have seen the T20 World Cup here. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend. 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, 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,” the advocate said as quoted by ANI.
The report further stated that Advocate Khan lodged a formal complaint at the Shivaji Nagar police station in Pune. Initially, he was advised to register the matter in Ahmedabad, but after objecting, he succeeded in having a report filed against the Indian cricketer.
“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.
As of now, neither Hardik Pandya, Mahieka Sharma, nor representatives from their respective teams have issued any public response regarding the incident. The two were spotted at Mumbai airport on Tuesday while returning home.
