Jammu, January 2: Jammu-Kashmir Police have summoned a local cricketer for questioning after he displayed the Palestine flag on his helmet during a cricket match. The police informed about the development on Friday.
According to officials, the cricketer and the organiser of a private cricket tournament were called in for questioning following the incident that occurred during a match held in Jammu. The flag was visible on the player’s helmet while batting and was recorded on camera.
The police are investigating the circumstances under which the Palestine flag was shown. The cricketer has been identified as Furqan Bhatt.
The incident took place on Wednesday during a match between JK11 Kings and Jammu Trailblazers in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League cricket tournament. Police are verifying whether the necessary permissions were obtained and if any tournament guidelines were violated. They are also trying to understand the intent behind displaying the flag during the sporting event.
The tournament is not affiliated with any national or international cricket body. No action has been taken against anyone so far. The inquiry and fact-finding process are ongoing.
Officials stated that action will be taken only after the investigation is complete.
Similar incidents have occurred before. In July last year, four youths were arrested in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly wearing T-shirts with the Palestine flag during Muharram processions. In the same month, another man was arrested in Agra for reportedly waving the Palestine flag during a Muharram procession.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.