India, March 11 -- Trinamool Congress MP and former India cricketer Kirti Azad on Wednesday refused to back down from his remarks despite facing strong criticism from India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batter Ishan Kishan for questioning the decision to take the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple in Ahmedabad.

Azad had criticised India captain Suryakumar Yadav and ICC chairman Jay Shah for offering prayers with the trophy, arguing that the gesture was inappropriate given the religious diversity within the Indian team. The former cricketer, who was part of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad, said sport should remain above religion and that the victory belonged to people from all communities.

"People were excited over Team India's victor...