A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya at a police station in Pune over allegations of insulting the national flag during celebrations after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Advocate Wajid Khan requested that police register an FIR, claiming Pandya wrapped the Indian tricolour around his body and behaved inappropriately during the celebrations. Police confirmed receiving the complaint but have not yet provided further details. Pandya, who played a key role in India’s title win, finished the tournament with strong performances with both bat and ball. (PC: X)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the prize money for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday. India received about Rs 24.25 crore after winning the tournament. New Zealand, the runners-up, earned around Rs 13.08 crore. South Africa and England, who lost in the semi-finals, received about Rs 9 crore each. Pakistan earned about Rs 4.80 crore from the prize pool. The total prize money for the tournament was $11.25 million (around Rs 103 crore). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced a reward of Rs 131 crore for the Indian team and support staff after their title win. (PC: AFP)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly criticised former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad after his remarks about the Indian team taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple sparked controversy. After India’s 96-run win over New Zealand in the final, Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav and others visited a Hanuman temple with the trophy. Azad questioned the move on social media, asking why the trophy was not taken to a mosque, church or gurdwara, saying it belonged to people of all faiths. Gambhir termed the comment “degrading,” accusing Azad of diluting the team’s historic victory. Several cricketers also criticised Azad’s statement. (PC: AFP)

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory celebrations sparked controversy after former cricketer and MP Kirti Azad criticised the team for taking the trophy to a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad. Azad argued that the World Cup represents people of all religions and should not be linked to a single faith. Responding to questions about the remarks, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan dismissed the issue, calling it a “useless question” and urging reporters to focus on India’s historic triumph instead. Kishan said the team had achieved something special for the nation and that discussions should highlight their cricketing success rather than political or religious debates. (PC: PTI)

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was fined 15% of his match fee by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct during the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.   The ICC said Arshdeep violated Article 2.9, which relates to throwing the ball at or near a player in a dangerous or inappropriate manner.   The incident happened in the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings when Arshdeep’s throw struck Daryl Mitchell on the body.   The moment caused brief tension on the field, but both players later shook hands.   “I went to say sorry to Mitchell. My throw reverse-swung a bit and hit his body,” Arshdeep said after the match.   India won the final by 96 runs. (PC: NDTV)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced a cash reward of ₹131 crore for India’s squad after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The amount is ₹6 crore higher than the ₹125 crore given after the 2024 title win. India defended the trophy under captain Suryakumar Yadav. India beat New Zealand national cricket team in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The team scored 255 for 5, one of the highest totals in a T20 World Cup final. Opener Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament after strong performances in knockout matches. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 victory to former coaches Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, crediting them for building the strong foundation behind the team’s success. After India national cricket team secured the title, Gambhir said the triumph was the result of years of planning, discipline and player development initiated by the previous coaching setup. He also praised Jay Shah and the Board of Control for Cricket in India for backing him during challenging phases. Gambhir emphasized that consistent support from administrators and the legacy left by Dravid and Laxman helped shape a confident squad capable of delivering on the global stage. (PC: PTI)

Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to the Iran women's national football team, warning the players could face severe consequences if forced to return to Iran. The appeal came after the team refused to sing their national anthem before a match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, reportedly leading to them being labelled “wartime traitors.” Trump asked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reconsider deporting the players, calling it a potential humanitarian mistake. He also said the United States would be willing to offer refuge if Australia declined. Player union FIFPRO has raised concerns about the team’s safety if they return home.

Sanju Samson said he spoke to Sachin Tendulkar during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign when he was unsure about his form. Samson said he stayed in touch with Tendulkar before the tournament and even received a call from him a day before the final. The conversations helped Samson find clarity in his game. He later played a key role in India’s title win with strong performances during the tournament. Sachin Tendulkar’s Advice Helped Sanju Samson Find Clarity During India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign. Samson said the guidance was not about major technical changes. It was more about preparation and understanding the game better. Other players have also spoken about Tendulkar’s advice. Shubman Gill earlier said Tendulkar told him to “defend straight and score square.” (PC: HT)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir reacted after MS Dhoni congratulated the team following the T20 World Cup 2026 victory in Ahmedabad. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final to win their third T20 World Cup title. After the match, Dhoni posted on Instagram praising the team and also had a message for Gambhir. “Coach Sahab smile looks great on you, intensity with smile is a killer combo,” Dhoni wrote. Gambhir later replied in the comments section. “And what a reason to smile. Great seeing you,” he wrote. Dhoni was present at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the final. He also joined Rohit Sharma in presenting the trophy before the match. (PC: India Today)