A case of playing wearing helmets with Palestine flag during a private cricket tournament in Jammu has come to light, after which Jammu Police has sought answers from the players and organizers concerned. The incident took place in a Jammu and Kashmir Champions League match, where player Furkan Bhat was found at the center of the controversy.

After the pictures and videos of the case surfaced, the police took cognizance and started the process of clarification on January 1. An uproar has started after the video surfaced on social media.

What is the whole matter?

According to sources, during a match of Jammu and Kashmir Champions League held in Jammu, a player named Furkan Bhat was allegedly seen batting with a helmet carrying the Palestinian flag. The pictures and videos taken during the match went viral on social media, after which the matter came into discussion. After this, Jammu Police took suo motu cognizance and sought clarification from the player regarding the use of this symbol.

Questions raised on the validity of the league

Amidst this entire controversy, Brigadier Anil Gupta (retired), administrative member of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, has raised questions on the validity of the league. He clarified that the matches running under Jammu and Kashmir Champions League are neither recognized by BCCI nor JKCA. According to the statement given to IANS, official cricket laws do not apply to such unauthorized and unapproved tournaments. He also said that a player is allowed to wear on his helmet only the logo or emblem of the board or association he is officially representing.

Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir: Brigadier Anil Gupta (Retd.), Member Administration of JKCA, says, “I do not know who Zahid Bhat is, but he might be the organizer of the JK Premier League. If he is indeed the organizer, it is his responsibility to conduct the tournament peacefully… pic.twitter.com/9UAZIKHV97

— IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2026

Organizers’ responsibilities and future situation

Brigadier Anil Gupta also said that if Zaheed Bhat is the organizer of this league, then it is his responsibility to conduct the tournament in a peaceful and controlled manner. He clarified that he does not know the organizer personally, but it is important to keep in mind the rules and social sensitivity in running any private league. At present, the police investigation is going on and further action will be decided based on the response of the players and organizers.

Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir: Brigadier Anil Gupta (Retd.), Member Administration of JKCA, says, “I do not know who Zahid Bhat is, but he might be the organizer of the JK Premier League. If he is indeed the organizer, it is his responsibility to conduct the tournament peacefully… pic.twitter.com/9UAZIKHV97

— IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2026