New Delhi

Kirti Azad, MP of the All India Trinamool Congress and former India cricketer, on Wednesday said athletes should be treated with dignity and mutual respect among all religions must be maintained in a democratic society.

His remarks came amid a controversy over the decision by members of the Indian cricket team leadership to take the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 trophy to a temple after India’s victory.

Speaking to reporters, Azad said players should not be degraded while also stressing that sport must remain above religious divisions.

“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, India head coach Gautam Gambhir criticised Azad for questioning the leadership group of himself, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, for taking the trophy to a temple after the team’s win.

Gambhir said such comments undermine the efforts of the players who had worked hard under pressure to secure the title.

“I think it’s not even worth answering that question. It’s a big moment for the entire country. If you give such a statement, then you are literally degrading your own players and your own team,” Gambhir said in an interview with ANI.

India national cricket team scripted history by winning a record third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to defend the title while hosting the tournament, defeating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

After the victory, Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir and Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple near the stadium to seek blessings and took the trophy along.

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Reacting to the visit earlier, Azad had said that sport and sportspersons should not be associated with religion or caste, adding that the victory belonged to the entire nation of 140 crore people.