J&K Cricketer banned for using Palestine flag on helmet; summoned by police

Jammu Tawi, Jan 1: A unique controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir on New Year’s Day in the J&K Champions League tournament.

Cricketer Furqan Bhatt, a specialist batter, was seen using a helmet that had a Palestine flag on it. Videos of this went viral quickly and Bhatt has been summoned by the state police regarding this matter.

Apart from Furqan who has reportedly been banned, the J&K Champions League organizer Zahid Bhatt has also reportedly been summoned by the police regarding this incident. While investigations are on regarding the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has come out in the open to express their detachment from the tournament.

The league and players aren’t registered or recognized by the JKCA who gave an official statement to convey their stand on this sensitive issue. This ongoing tournament is the second unofficial cricket tournament in J&K after the dubious event in November where the organizers  of Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) escaped after scamming players, broadcasters, match officials and hotels.

“This league is not recognized by JKCA,” said Brig. Anil Gupta (Retd), member of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association said as quoted by IANS. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been strict with its guidelines, as are the state associations in the country. Domestic players are not permitted to participate in unrecognized tournaments.

Once the police complete their interrogation  with the cricketer and lead organizer, more details are awaited regarding this entire incident.