New Delhi, March 9: India triumphed over New Zealand to win the T20 World Cup 2026, following which team captain Suryakumar Yadav, Jay Shah, and Gautam Gambhir visited a Hanuman temple with the trophy. TMC MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad expressed his disapproval of this act on social media, stating that it contradicts the secular nature of the country.
In an interview, Azad emphasized that the team represents all religions in India, and that sports should not be associated with any particular faith. He recalled the 1983 World Cup victory, highlighting the diverse religious backgrounds of the players at that time. “Players and sports have no religion; they belong to their team,” he remarked, praising players like Sanju Samson and Mohammed Siraj for their contributions.
Azad criticized the decision to take the trophy to a temple, questioning the difference between India and Pakistan in this context. He noted, “I am a Hindu myself, but I never mix religion with sports.” He reiterated that art and sports should transcend religious boundaries and expressed his opposition to the act.
He also pointed out that he has visited temples before and after matches but maintained that the recent actions were inappropriate for a secular nation. Azad had previously taken to social media to voice his concerns, stating that he felt ashamed of the Indian team for this act.
He further questioned why the trophy was not taken to a mosque, church, or gurdwara, emphasizing that the team represents India as a whole, not just the families of Suryakumar Yadav or Jay Shah. “This trophy belongs to all Indians of every faith; it is not a victory for a single religion,” he concluded.