Ex-cricketer defends remarks on T20 World Cup trophy celebration, stresses religious inclusivity
March 11, 2026: The war of words between former India cricketers Kirti Azad and Gautam Gambhir intensified on March 11 after Azad responded to criticism over his remarks about Team India’s visit to a Hanuman temple with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 trophy. Gambhir had earlier described Azad’s comments as “degrading” to the players. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Azad clarified that he never intended to insult the team but wanted to highlight the importance of religious inclusivity in a democratic country.
The controversy began after India’s 96-run victory over the New Zealand national cricket team in the T20 World Cup final. Following the win, captain Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir and Jay Shah visited a temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy. Azad questioned why the trophy was not also taken to other places of worship such as a mosque, church or gurdwara, calling it a “one-religion victory lap” and recalling that the 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning Indian team included players from multiple faiths.
Responding to Gambhir’s criticism, Azad said athletes must be respected but also have a responsibility as representatives of a diverse nation. Gambhir had earlier dismissed the debate as unnecessary, arguing that such discussions dilute the achievement of the players who worked under pressure to secure the title. Azad, however, maintained that since the team represents 1.4 billion Indians, celebrations should reflect the country’s secular fabric rather than individual preferences.