Former India captain Virat Kohli is currently in Auckland, preparing for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start from November 4. However, the star batter has now grabbed attention for a reason away from the cricket field.

The Supreme Court has suggested involving Kohli in a public awareness campaign to encourage people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers.

The suggestion came during a hearing on petitions related to pollution caused by firecrackers and the rules governing their use. The court also discussed the permissible barium content in firecrackers but said the matter would be taken up after Diwali.

ALSO READ: Glenn Phillips' Batting Blitz And Jacob Duffy's Bowling Show Leave India With 87-Run Defeat

A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale expressed concern over the repeated violations of orders aimed at controlling pollution. The judges pointed out that despite the court issuing directions every year, there had been little improvement in the situation.

Supreme Court Suggests Taking Virat Kohli’s Help For Diwali Campaign

During the hearing, Justice Prasanna B Varale suggested that the authorities should approach popular personalities to spread awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers.

Justice MM Sundresh then mentioned Kohli’s name while discussing the possibility of involving well-known cricketers in the campaign. He felt that popular sports personalities could help take the message to a wider audience, particularly in Delhi.

Supreme Court Says Firecrackers Were Not Part Of Diwali’s Original Traditions

The bench also discussed how firecrackers gradually became associated with Diwali celebrations. Justice Sundresh observed that fireworks were not part of the festival’s original traditions.

Why Virat Kohli Faced Massive Backlash Over His Firecracker-Free Diwali Message In 2020?

Interestingly, this is not the first time Kohli has asked people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers. The former India captain had made a similar appeal during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but his message attracted heavy criticism on social media.

At the time, Kohli was in Australia with the Indian team and was serving the mandatory quarantine period ahead of the tour. On Diwali, he shared a video on his X account, extending his wishes to fans and their families.

ALSO READ: Dravid, Sehwag Included As India Announces Squad For U-19 Asia Cup 2026

However, along with his festive greetings, Kohli also urged people not to burst firecrackers and instead celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali.

His appeal did not go down well with a section of social media users. The then India captain was heavily trolled, with several users questioning his message and criticising him for asking people to avoid firecrackers during the festival.

Where Is Virat Kohli Currently?

Kohli has shifted to London in recent times but is currently in Auckland, preparing for India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

The former India captain has already retired from Test and T20I cricket but continues to represent the country in the 50-over format. He has been spending time in the nets ahead of the five-match series, which is scheduled to begin on November 4.