New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) A number of Opposition figures rallied behind Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad on Tuesday following his social media critique of the decision to present the T20 World Cup trophy at a temple. These leaders emphasized that Azad's concerns were significant and highlighted the necessity of respecting the feelings of individuals from all backgrounds.

The debate ignited after Azad, a member of India’s victorious 1983 World Cup squad, condemned the act of presenting the trophy at a temple by cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, head coach and former BJP MP Gautam Gambhir, and International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah.

In a post on the social media platform X, Azad remarked, "As 'Why NOT a Mosque? Why NOT a Church? Why NOT a Gurudwara?… The Trophy Belongs to 1.4 BILLION Indians of EVERY Faith — NOT ONE RELIGION'S VICTORY LAP!'"

He further elaborated that it was regrettable that one religion seemed to be prioritized over others. Reflecting on India’s historic 1983 World Cup victory under Kapil Dev, Azad noted that the team embodied a diverse representation of faiths.

“When we secured the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, our team comprised Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. We brought the trophy back to our sacred homeland, India, Bharat, Hindustan,” he stated.

Azad continued, “This Team Represents INDIA — not Surya Kumar Yadav's or Jay Shah's Family.”

He highlighted the backgrounds of various players, saying: “(Mohammad) Siraj never displayed it at a Mosque. Sanju (Samson) never showcased it at a Church... the latter played a significant role and was named man of the tournament.”

Responding to the uproar, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat defended Azad, emphasizing that his concerns warrant serious consideration.

"Kirti Azad was a member of our team during the World Cup victory. He is a respected Member of Parliament, and his concerns need attention. Sports should embody the spirit of the game, and when the nation triumphs, it signifies a victory for India as a whole. It is not the triumph of any single community, group, or individual. Hence, the issues he raised are indeed critical. Since the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power, such instances have proliferated. There seems to be a push to fragment society, compelling individuals to assert separate identities," he told IANS.

Mahua Maji, MP from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), also stressed the significance of being mindful of people's religious feelings.

“In our nation, we often witness political maneuvering concerning religion during elections and even in sports. I believe it’s vital to ensure that no one’s sentiments are offended, as these are national matters. People visit temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras, so we should sidestep such controversies..."

Congress MLA and former national hockey team captain Pargat Singh asserted that sports should remain devoid of religious divisions.

"There's no need to create distinctions in sports; for us, every religion is equal. I believe the trophy should be taken to temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches alike. It’s better to keep religion and sports separate," he stated.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma acknowledged that while Azad is entitled to his views, politics should not overshadow sporting accomplishments.

"Kirti Azad may hold his own perspective, having been a distinguished cricketer and MP. However, we should refrain from intertwining politics with sports. Our players have performed exceptionally well - we are now T20 world champions for the third time. They deserve to be celebrated for their achievements. Whether they choose to take the trophy to a temple or a mosque is a personal decision, and the cricket control board has no authority over it."