'Cricket Or Romance?': Hardik Celebrating GF Mahieka's Birthday Amid T20 World Cup Sparks Debate

Team India star all-rounder Hardik Pandya celebrated his girlfriend and model Mahieka Sharma's birthday amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on February 19. Maheika Sharma has been travelling with the all-rounder through the tournament so far.

Hardik and Mahieka have been dating since around October 2025, when they made it public by appearing together at the Mumbai airport and sharing a holiday on social media. The couple further confirmed their relationship after India's star all-rounder shared pictures from his birthday celebrations with Maheika in the Maldives. Since then, the couple's relationship has been in the spotlight.

Over the last few months, Hardik Pandya has been sharing several Instagram posts featuring Mahieka Sharma, including birthday celebrations, holiday snaps and intimate reels of romantic moments. The modal has accompanied the all-rounder for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand.

Hardik Pandya Celebrates Mahieka Sharma's Birthday

Amid the T20 World Cup 2026, Hardik Pandya decided to take time out from his busy schedule and celebrate his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma's 25th birthday. The 32-year-old was accompanied by model girlfriend for India's all four matches in the T20 World Cup 2026, including the clash against Pakistan in Colombo.

In a video that went viral on social media, Hardik was seen cutting a cake with her and feeding him a slice at a hotel in Ahmedabad, where the Men in Blue played their final group stage match against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Hardik Pandya celebrating Maheika Sharma's birthday. twitter/sbcGlgsmaK

- Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 20, 2026

Before Mahieka's birthday, Hardik marked Valentine's Day by getting a tattoo featuring the letter 'M, his girlfriend's initial, on the back of his neck, symbolising his affection and commitment to their relationship.

Hardik Pandya also has his own unique style. Now, news is coming that Hardik Pandya has got a tattoo of his new girlfriend's name tattoo is in the M style, which is dedicated to Hardik Pandya's new girlfriend, Mahika Sharma seems that Hardik Pandya will soon marry... twitter/12ilYMo8ff

- Upasana Shrivastav (@UpasanaShrivstv) February 14, 2026

Hardik Pandya sparked controversy after he was often seen travelling with Mahieka Sharma for the T20 World Cup matches despite the BCCI's strict mandate that players are not allowed to keep their girlfriends or wives in team hotels or restricted areas during tournaments unless they keep separate arrangements at their own expenses, leading to questions about rule enforcement.

'Please Don't Mix Love and Game'

The viral video of Hardik Pandya celebrating her girlfriend Mahieka Sharma's 25th birthday in Ahmedabad has caught the attention of fans on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), as fans and cricket enthusiasts reacted strongly to the all-rounder's personal time during the T20 World Cup.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts shared varied reactions to Hardik celebrating the birthday of her girlfriend, with many expressing concerns about mixing personal celebrations with the T20 World Cup, given the importance of the marquee event.

Others appreciated his happiness, noting he was“back in a good space” after his divorce with his ex-wife, Natasa Stankovic and reminding that public celebrations often influence perception more than private reality.

He has absolutely no shame. Doing public manifestation of new found love, after cheating and deserting his wife.

- Abhay Mani Diwakar (@theabhayd) February 20, 2026

Hardik balancing match pressure and relationship goals like a proper all-rounder.

- Mayank Pandey (@mayank5885) February 20, 2026

To be honest, as a player I really like him. But the way he showcases his personal life sometimes feels a bit too flashy. Anyway, thats his personal matter I just think he should keep his private life more low-key and discreet.

- AJ (@aakashjhanjhari) February 20, 2026

Really nice to see Hardik Pandya back in a happy space again, Looks like he is finally moved on completely❤️

- GAURAV (@crazyGaurav_) February 20, 2026

Please don't mix game and romance, it's WC

- Care4u (@Care4myangel) February 20, 2026

@hardikpandya7 is more concerned about his girlfriend than Cricket. He is more focused on his Love than World Cup. He is taking lightly. Bro people want trophy not this Cringe show.#T20WorldCup Knight Rider (@iKnightRider19) February 20, 2026

Bro is behaving like a nibba these days

- Munna bhaiya (@Munnabhaiyya_) February 20, 2026

Brother Hardik, the ball is not swinging on the ground as much as 'googly' is coming in your life. At the same time, preparations for the World Cup are going on and the birthday innings started here? It seems that the real meaning of being an all-rounder is now understood!

- Kᴀᴘɪʟ Gᴏᴜʀ (@GaurBulandshahr) February 20, 2026

The shameless Hardik Pandya should have at least thought about Agastya Pandya before going ahead with this naked display of pervert behavior.

- Abhay Mani Diwakar (@theabhayd) February 20, 2026

Celebrations between public figures often attract attention, but the real signal is influence and visibility, not the act itself. Public moments like Hardik Pandya celebrating Maheika Sharma's birthday shape perception far faster than private reality.

- Bharat Sharma (@BharatSharmaBKS) February 20, 2026

BCCI should have strong restriction for players involved in World Cup

- Cristiano✨ (@Prabhu_Raaj) February 20, 2026

In the T20 World Cup 2026, Hardik Pandya has not had an ideal campaign, amassing just 87 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 21.75 and a strike rate of 155.35 in four matches. With the ball, Hardik picked five wickets at an average of 22.20 and an economy rate of 7.92 in four matches.

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