Kirti Azad Criticizes T20 World Cup Trophy Visit to Temple

By Rohan Mehta / 10.03.2026

Kirti Azad’s criticism is rooted in his experience as a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, which included players from diverse religious backgrounds. On March 8, 2026, the Indian cricket team secured their third T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Recent Developments

Following their victory, the Indian cricket team took the T20 World Cup trophy to the Hanuman Temple for blessings. This action has drawn sharp criticism from Azad, who stated, “This Team Represents INDIA — not Surya Kumar Yadav’s or Jay Shah’s Family!” He emphasized that the trophy belongs to 1.4 billion Indians of every faith, not just one religion.

Azad further remarked, “A sportsperson or sports does not belong to any religion or caste but only to the sport.” His comments reflect a broader concern about the intersection of sports and religion in India.

Azad’s statements have sparked discussions among cricket fans and commentators, with many supporting his view that sports should remain inclusive and representative of all communities. He highlighted the diversity within the 1983 World Cup-winning team, noting, “When we won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, we had Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian in the team.” This historical context underscores his belief that sports should transcend religious boundaries.

Looking Ahead

Observers suggest that this incident may lead to further discussions on the role of religion in sports in India. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the cricketing community and its leaders will respond to Azad’s criticisms and whether any changes will be made in how victories are celebrated in the future.