‘Players should not be degraded’: Kirti Azad hits back at Gambhir amid T20 World Cup temple controversy

There has been a back-and-forth reaction following the decision by India captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, to take the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy to a temple after India’s victory.

Kirti Azad, Trinamool Congress MP and a member of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup–winning team, on Wednesday responded to remarks made by Gambhir regarding his earlier criticism of the move.

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Speaking to reporters, Azad said players should not be disrespected while also stressing the importance of maintaining mutual respect among all religions in a democratic country.

“Yes, definitely, players should not be degraded. Players shouldn’t degrade their situation either. Ours is a democratic country in which people of all religions live, and everyone should be respected,” Azad said.

Earlier, Gambhir had criticised Azad for questioning the leadership group’s decision to take the trophy to a Hanuman temple near the stadium following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

Responding to Azad’s comments, Gambhir said the question was not worth answering and argued that such remarks undermine the achievements of the players.

“I think it’s not even worth answering that question. It’s a big moment for the entire country. We should celebrate a World Cup win. Statements like these only dilute the achievement of the players,” Gambhir said in an interview.

India scripted history by clinching a record third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy while also winning the tournament as hosts after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Following the win, Suryakumar, Gambhir and Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple near the stadium to offer prayers and carried the trophy with them.

Azad had earlier questioned the move, saying that sport should remain beyond religious identity.

“140 crore people were excited when Team India, which includes people from all religions, won. A sportsperson or sport does not belong to any religion or caste but only to the sport,” Azad said earlier.