Palestine flag row: J&K cricketer accused of 'separatism,' summoned by police

Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Furqan Bhat has been accused of “separatism” after he was seen sporting a Palestine flag on his helmet during a local cricket match. Furqan Bhat has also been called in for questioning by the J&K Police for sporting the Palestine flag.

Furqan Bhat’s action garnered attention after videos and pictures of him batting with a Palestine flag sticker on his helmet during a match in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League in Jammu went viral.

Shocker from Jammu Kashmir Champions League in Jammu.

Cricketer Furkan Bhatt was seen wearing a helmet featuring the flag, drawing attention and prompting action from authorities. pic.twitter.com/JFj6Ri0lAw

— Zeennat Rana (@izeennatrana) January 2, 2026

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Springing into action, the Jammu police have sought clarification from the cricketer and the tournament organisers.

“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,” the Police said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has already distanced itself from the whole incident, claiming that the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League is not an authorised league and that Furqan Bhat is not affiliated with the board.

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BJP MLA asks for action against Furqan Bhat

Meanwhile, BJP MLA RS Pathania has called for strict action to be taken against Furqan Bhat and the organisers. He also demanded an investigation into the whole matter as he said that there’s no place for separatism on a cricket field.

“In a private tournament, the cricketer was playing with a Palestine flag sticker on his helmet,” he said. “The police have summoned him for questioning. The display of feelings akin to separatism and such insensitivity on the cricket field will never be tolerated. People involved should be investigated and the whole matter should be thoroughly probed.

“The Indian government has a de-hyphenation policy towards Israel’s statehood or the Palestine vs Israel conflict. Some fringe elements in Kashmir are trying to give it a new colour, shape, which I condemn. This whole incident should be investigated and the culprits must be punished severely.”

Meanwhile, the Jammu police are trying to find out the reason why Furqan Bhat was sporting the Palestine flag. They have not made any official comment on the possible reasons.