\u2018Some fringe elements in Kashmir are trying to give Israel-Palestine conflict a new colour, shape, which I condemn,\u2019 a BJP MLA said while reaction to the Palestine flag row during a cricket match in Jammu.<\/p>\n
Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Furqan Bhat has been accused of \u201cseparatism\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Furqan Bhat\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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Shocker from Jammu Kashmir Champions League in Jammu.<\/p>\n
Cricketer Furkan Bhatt was seen wearing a helmet featuring the flag, drawing attention and prompting action from authorities. pic.twitter.com\/JFj6Ri0lAw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Zeennat Rana (@izeennatrana) January 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Springing into action, the Jammu police have sought clarification from the cricketer and the tournament organisers.<\/p>\n \u201cOne 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,\u201d the Police said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n BJP MLA asks for action against Furqan Bhat<\/p>\n 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\u2019s no place for separatism on a cricket field.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a private tournament, the cricketer was playing with a Palestine flag sticker on his helmet,\u201d he said. \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n \u201cThe Indian government has a de-hyphenation policy towards Israel\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Home<\/a>First Cricket<\/a>Palestine flag row: J&K cricketer accused of ‘separatism,’ summoned by policeEnd of Article