NEW DELHI CHRONICLE BUREAU – In a scathing attack that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Kirti Azad has lashed out at T20 Captain Surya Kumar Yadav and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. The controversy stems from the duo’s recent visit to a temple in Ahmedabad with the T20 World Cup trophy, a move Azad describes as “dragging” the national prize into religious politics.
Following India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 victory over New Zealand, Captain Surya Kumar Yadav, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Jay Shah offered prayers at the Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad on Monday. However, what was intended as a celebratory gesture of gratitude has quickly turned into a polarized debate.
“Why the Hell is the Trophy Being Dragged?”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Azad expressed his fury, reminding the current leadership of the secular fabric of the 1983 squad that first brought glory to India.
“SHAME ON TEAM INDIA! 😡 When we won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, we had Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian in the team,” Azad posted. “We brought the trophy to our religious birthplace—our motherland India, Bharat, Hindustan. Why the hell is the Indian Cricket Trophy being dragged [to a temple]?”
Secularism vs. Celebration
Azad’s critique centered on the idea that the World Cup trophy represents the entire nation, regardless of faith. He pointedly mentioned other players to highlight his argument regarding religious neutrality in sports.
“This Team Represents INDIA — not Surya Kumar Yadav’s or Jay Shah’s Family!” Azad added. “Siraj never paraded it at a Mosque. Sanju never took it to a Church. The Trophy belongs to 1.4 BILLION Indians of EVERY Faith — NOT ONE RELIGION’S VICTORY LAP!”
A Nation Divided?
While the images of the players seeking blessings at the Hanuman Temple went viral with fans praising their humility, Azad’s comments have triggered a fierce debate on social media. Supporters of the temple visit argue it is a personal matter of faith, while critics align with Azad, suggesting that national trophies should remain symbols of secular unity.
The BCCI and the players involved have yet to issue an official response to Azad’s explosive remarks. As India celebrates its return to the pinnacle of T20 cricket, the conversation has shifted from the pitch to the complex intersection of sports, religion, and national identity.
