A cricketer from the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, identified as Furqan Bhat, courted controversy by wearing a helmet with the logo of Palestone during the course of a cricket match.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday (31st December)during a private tournament held in Jammu. After a video of Furqan playing with the controversial helmet went viral, he was summoned by the Jammu and Kashmir police.
The police also brought the organiser of the tournament for questioning.
In an official statement, the cops informed, “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.”
– Cricketer Furqan Bhatt wore a helmet displaying the Palestinian flag in J&K Champions League
— BALA (@erbmjha) January 1, 2026
– He was summoned by police & later banned from the league
Divided by borders, United by Ummah & Terrorism ?? pic.twitter.com/x9ACLNnF14
The police are now trying to determine whether the organisers of the private tournament took the necessary permissions for hosting the match.
As per preliminary investigation, the cricket match was being played between JK11 Kings and Jammu Trailblazers as part of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Champions League cricket tournament.
It was reportedly organised by a local league and not connected to the national or international cricket body. It must be mentioned that no action has been taken against Furqan Bhatt at the time of reporting.
“Police are verifying the facts and investigating the matter,” a senior cop stated. The true intention Furqan Bhatt behind displaying the Palestinian flag is also being probed.
