J&K cricketer summoned by police for sporting Palestine flag on his helmet, inquiry ordered

An inquiry has been launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police after a cricketer purportedly used a Palestinian flag on his helmet during a match at a local tournament in Jammu. The police had on Thursday called the cricket player as well as the organiser of the cricket tournament for questioning in connection with the matter.

According to the police, the cricketer identified as Furqan Ul Haq allegedly used the Palestinian Flag on his helmet while playing the match at J&K Champions League. After it came to the notice of the Jammu and Kashmir police, both the cricketer and the organiser of the tournament were called for questioning to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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“One cricket player and Organizer of the tournament has been called for questioning by J&K Police regarding the use of the Palestine Flag on his helmet during a cricket match at a private tournament in Jammu,” the Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a statement.

The police action came after photos and videos of Bhatt wearing a Palestinian flag on his helmet went viral on social media.

The police today said: “Yesterday, a video circulating on social media shows a cricket player, namely Furqan Ul Haq, playing cricket at KC Door, Muthi while displaying a Palestine logo on his helmet. In view of the sensitivity of the matter and its potential public order implications, a 14 days preliminary enquiry under Section 173(3) BNSS has been initiated at PS Domana to ascertain the facts, intent, background of the individual, and any possible linkages.”

According to reports, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has distanced itself from the tournament.

The board reportedly clarified that it has no role in the J&K Champions League tournament. Some reports also claimed that Bhatt has been “banned” over the incident.