Inquiry against Kashmiri cricketer for spotting Palestinian flag on helmet; PDP, AIP express support

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday ordered an enquiry after a cricketer from south Kashmir wore a helmet with the Palestinian flag during a private cricket tournament match in Jammu and Kashmir.

The police informed that a video circulating on social media showed a cricketer, Furqan Ul Haq of Pulwama in southern Kashmir, playing cricket at K C Door in Muthi area of Jammu while "displaying a Palestinian logo on his helmet."

This video of the cricketer was widely circulated online and triggered varied reactions on social media. The officials said that in view of the sensitivity of the matter and its potential public order implications, "a 14-day preliminary enquiry under Section 173(3) of the BNSS has been initiated at the Domana police station to ascertain the facts, intent and background of the individual." The tournament in Jammu started on December 29. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association maintained that it has no role, engagement or association with the tournament, as it is a private affair and not recognised by the association.


Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, while sharing the news of this enquiry on social media. "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," she wrote adding, "A flag in the wind, bold and free, From the river to the sea."

Awami Ittehad Party MLA from Langate constituency of northern Kashmir Sheikh Khursheed has also termed the action against the cricketer as "unwarranted and discriminatory."

"India officially supports the Palestinian cause and has consistently stood with Palestine at international forums...Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had carried a bag bearing a Palestine symbol inside Parliament...BJP leaders and Union ministers have publicly acknowledged meetings with Hamas leaders in the past," said Khursheed adding, "If such expressions and engagements are acceptable for political leaders, targeting a sportsperson exposes selective outrage."

Earlier another private cricket league Indian Heaven Premier League supported by J&K Sports Council ran into controversy in Kashmir when on November 1, 2025, the officials and organizers of the league fled from Srinagar duping players, officials, broadcasters and hoteliers. International stars including Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill and Thisara Perera were part of the league that was folded after only 12 of the 27 scheduled matches were played.