Why Hardik Pandya's Trophy Antics Sparked Outrage Among Fans
Controversy Surrounds Hardik Pandya's Trophy Celebration
Ahmedabad: Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, has come under fire on social media after he was spotted mimicking the famous ‘Khaby Lame’ pose with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy. This incident brought back memories of his previous viral moment with the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
Following India's victory at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Pandya was seen celebrating with the trophy. Some fans accused him of taking the trophy from captain Suryakumar Yadav immediately after it was awarded, monopolizing the moment while other teammates awaited their turn.
Additionally, there were claims that he paraded around the field with the trophy alongside his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma.
The situation ignited a flurry of reactions online. One user commented, “All this drama and fuss by Hardik to recreate that same viral photo… meanwhile, players like Shivam Dube didn’t even get a chance to touch the trophy as this leech wouldn’t let go for youngsters like Ishan, Abhishek, Tilak, and Rinku.”
All this drama and fuckery by Hardik to create that same viral photo….meanwhile people like Shivam Dube did not even get a chance to touch the trophy as this leach won’t leave the trophy even for youngsters like Ishan, Abhishek, Tilak and even Rinku. pic.twitter.com/1Lr14lPrMk
— Gangadhar (@gangadhar_11) March 9, 2026
Another user expressed disappointment, stating, “THIS IS NOT GOOD HARDIK PANDYA. When Surya lifted the trophy, Hardik immediately grabbed it and started posing for about 10 minutes. He then walked around with the trophy while other players were still waiting for their turn.”
THIS IS NOT GOOD HARDIK PANDYA.
When Surya lifted the trophy, Hardik immediately took it and started doing his “Khaby Lame” poses for about 10 min. Then he walked around with the trophy with his girlfriend While other players were still waiting for their turn.
pic.twitter.com/mCgpvJByJI
— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 9, 2026
Some users even dug up old footage from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 celebrations, suggesting that Pandya had exhibited similar behavior back then. One user remarked, “Hardik has this bad habit of hogging the trophy. Even during the CT, Kohli and Rohit called him for a group picture, but he ignored them. They eventually took off their blazers.”
Hardik has this bad habit of milking the trophy too much. Even in CT, Kohli and Rohit called him for group pic but he didn’t listen. They eventually removed their blazer pic.twitter.com/jF5lekMNmg
— ` (@worshipVK) March 9, 2026