Kashmir Cricketer Questioned by Police for Wearing Helmet with Palestinian Flag
Jammu city | January 5, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
A local cricketer from South Kashmir, Farqan Bhatt, was questioned by police after he allegedly played a match wearing a helmet showing the Palestinian flag during a private cricket tournament in Jammu and Kashmir.
The incident took place during the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League, a privately organised tournament held at a ground on the outskirts of Jammu city. Farqan Bhatt was playing for the JK 11 team and came out to bat against Jammu Trail Blazers on December 31.
On January 1, a video went viral on social media showing Farqan wearing the helmet. After this, police called both the cricketer and the tournament organiser, Sajid Bhatt, to the Domana police station for questioning.
According to police, an initial inquiry has been started to understand Farqan’s background, intentions, and any possible links. Keeping in mind the sensitive nature of the issue and its possible impact on public peace, police have ordered a 14-day preliminary investigation under the relevant law.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) clarified that the tournament was a private event and had no connection with the association. JKCA in-charge officer Brigadier Anil Gupta said the police are handling the matter as it does not fall under their authority.
The incident has also led to political reactions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded action against the cricketer, calling it an attempt to use sports for promoting a political agenda.
On the other hand, several opposition leaders criticised the police action. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti shared a post supporting the Palestinian cause on social media.
Awami Ittehad Party MLA Sheikh Khursheed, brother of jailed MP Engineer Rashid, said expressing solidarity with Palestine should not be treated as a crime. He pointed out that political leaders have shown similar support in the past without facing action, calling the move against the cricketer selective and unfair.
The police investigation is currently ongoing.
