NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy has surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir cricket after a player was spotted wearing a helmet featuring the Palestine flag during a privately organised tournament in Jammu on New Year’s Day.

The incident occurred during a match in the J&K Champions League, where specialist batter Furqan Bhatt was seen sporting the symbol on his helmet. Videos and images from the game quickly began circulating on social media, drawing widespread attention and triggering an official response.

Soon after the visuals went viral, the Jammu and Kashmir Police stepped in and summoned both the cricketer and the tournament organiser for questioning to understand the circumstances behind the incident.

“One cricket player and the organiser of the tournament have been called for questioning by J&K Police regarding the use of the Palestine flag on a helmet during a cricket match at a private tournament in Jammu,” the police said in an official statement.

Apart from Furqan Bhatt, reports suggest that tournament organiser Zahid Bhatt has also been asked to appear before the authorities. While the investigation remains ongoing, there are indications that disciplinary action has already been taken against the player, though an official confirmation is awaited.

Amid the growing controversy, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has clarified its position, stating that it has no association with the tournament. The governing body stressed that the J&K Champions League is a privately run event and does not fall under its jurisdiction.