![Local cricketer summoned in Jammu and Kashmir [Source: X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767329953715_Palestinian Flag on Helmet.jpg)
Local cricketer summoned in Jammu and Kashmir [Source: X.com]
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have called a local cricketer and the organiser of a private tournament for questioning after a Palestine flag appeared during a match in Jammu. The incident took place during a local tournament and was noticed after visuals from the match circulated widely. Officials confirmed the development on Thursday, January 1.
Local cricketer summoned in Jammu and Kashmir
According to the police, a cricketer was seen wearing a helmet that had the Palestine flag displayed on the front. This detail became visible while the player was batting, and cameras captured it clearly. Soon after, the police stepped in to understand how and why the flag was shown during a sporting event.
“One cricket player and organiser 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,” police said.
The incident occurred on Wednesday during a match between JK11 Kings and Jammu Trailblazers. This match was part of the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Champions League. The tournament is a local event and has been described as privately organised. It does not have any link with national or international cricket boards.
India Today report stated that the player being questioned is named Furqan Bhat. The police are currently focused on understanding the full background of the incident. Officials are checking whether any permissions were taken for displaying such symbols during the match. At the same time, they are also examining whether any rules of the tournament were broken.
Jammu and Kashmir police take no immediate action as inquiry continues
Senior police officials confirmed that no legal action has been taken at this stage. The focus remains on gathering facts and verifying all details linked to the incident. The questioning of the cricketer and the organiser is part of this process.
“Police are verifying the facts and investigating the matter,” a senior official said, according to India Today.
Authorities also want to understand the intention behind the display of the flag during a public sporting event. Any future steps will be decided only after the investigation is completed and all aspects are reviewed carefully.
In recent months, there have been other cases involving the display of the Palestinian flag in public gatherings.
It is important to note that issues related to expression in cricket have also surfaced at the international level. In 2023, Australian star cricketer Usman Khawaja was stopped from displaying the messages "All lives are equal" and "Freedom is a human right" on his shoes during a Test match against Pakistan. Instead, he chose to wear a black armband.
Khawaja later wore the black armband during matches in Perth and Melbourne in support of the people of Gaza. However, Cricket Australia and the ICC did not allow him to wear shoes carrying those messages before the first Test.
