Former India cricketer Kirti Azad has defended his criticism of the Indian cricket team for taking the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy to the temple after winning the title earlier this month.
Speaking to ANI, Azad stood his ground. “Yes, absolutely, players should not be demoted. Ours is a democratic country where people of all religions live and all should be respected,” he said.
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#WATCH | Delhi | In a statement by India head coach Gautam Gambhir on his tweet, TMC MP and former cricketer, Kirti Azad says, “Yes, definitely players should not be demoted. Players should also not despise their situation. Ours is a democratic country where everyone pic.twitter.com/Ls3888tr8o— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2026
Azad had earlier taken to X to lash out at the team, pointing out that the team that won the 1983 World Cup under Kapil Dev included players of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian faiths.
He questioned why the trophy was not also taken to a mosque, church or gurudwara. The post, which garnered 3.7 million views, struck a chord with fans and former players alike.
His position was also focused on team management, designing the trophy trek reflected the personal preferences of individuals rather than the inclusive spirit of the nation. “This team represents India, not the family of Surya Kumar Yadav or Jay Shah,” he wrote.
Gambhir dismisses Azad’s comments
Head coach of India Gautam Gambhir was straightforward in his reply. “This question is not even worth answering,” he told ANI.
Gambhir said the focus should continue to be on celebrating success rather than making divisive remarks.
“There is no point in highlighting certain statements because those statements will only dilute your success,” he added.
#WATCH | On TMC MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad’s statement, Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir in an interview with ANI says, “…There is no point in answering this question…These statements only degrade the players and the team, which should not be done.”
Watch pic.twitter.com/gIWtMpIbm8— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2026
The Indian coach went further and said that Azad’s comments were an insult to the players and their efforts. “Imagine the pressure the boys have gone through. Today, when you make a statement like that, you are literally degrading your own players and degrading your own team,” Gambhir said.
He added that the team deserved to celebrate their victory on their own terms, without religious or political interference. The achievement, he insisted, belonged to all 15 players and should be recognized as such.
India had made history just a few days earlier when they beat New Zealand to become the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil and successfully defend the title.
It was a moment of national pride that has been overshadowed by controversy for many ever since.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 11, 2026 1:39 PM IST
