A local cricketer identified as Furqan Bhat was summoned by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for wearing a helmet emblazoned with the Palestinian flag during a local match on Wednesday. A local cricketer has created a major political controversy after the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Champions League tournament match between JK11 Kings and Jammu Trailblazers.
In an official statement, the state police said: “A cricketer and tournament organizer has been called for questioning by the J&K Police over the use of a Palestinian flag on his helmet during a cricket match at a private tournament in Jammu,” India Today reported.
Videos of Furqan Bhat batting in the middle order and carrying a Palestinian flag quickly went viral on social media. It drew flak from several sections of society as many online users called it a deliberate and provocative act. Netizens argued that cricket is not a platform for propaganda and foreign political symbols, especially in India’s sensitive security context.
Apart from the cricketer, the Jammu and Kashmir police summoned tournament organizer Zahid Bhat to the Domana police station for questioning. Police are investigating the incident to determine whether the act was premeditated and how the organizers failed to enforce basic guidelines for behavior and symbols during the match.
Senior police officials informed the organizer about the preliminary inquiry order under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which has to be completed within 14 days. It is important to note that the First Information Report (FIR) has not been registered yet.
No action has yet been taken in the case as authorities investigate the circumstances under which the Palestinian flag was allowed to be flown, whether the necessary permits were obtained, and whether the move could constitute a breach of public order or harm to national sentiment.
“The police are verifying the facts and investigating the matter,” India Today quoted a senior official as saying.
J&K Cricket Association rejects association with controversial Champions League
The privately organized local league was found to be unaffiliated with any national or international cricket organisation. The J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) has denied any association with the tournament. Dissociating himself from the controversy, an association official said, “We have nothing to do with this league. It is not affiliated to the JKCA.” According to the association, the J&K Champions League is not a recognized tournament and is not conducted under its authority or supervision.
