Jammu, Jan. 2, 2026 — The Jammu and Kashmir Police have ordered a preliminary inquiry after a cricketer was seen wearing a helmet bearing the Palestinian flag during a private cricket tournament match in Jammu, officials said Friday.
The inquiry was initiated after videos and photographs of the player, identified as Furqan Ul Haq of Tangipuna village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, circulated widely on social media. The footage showed him playing in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League match at K C Door in Muthi on Thursday.
A police spokesperson said the matter was being examined due to its possible public order implications.
“In view of the sensitivity of the issue, a 14-day preliminary inquiry under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has been initiated at Domana police station to ascertain the facts, intent and background of the individual, as well as any possible linkages,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the inquiry followed online circulation of visuals showing the cricketer displaying a Palestine logo on his helmet during the match.
The tournament, which began on December 29, is privately organised and is not recognised by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. The association said it had no role or involvement in the league.
The incident comes weeks after another private cricket league in the region ran into controversy. The Indian Heaven Premier League, held in Srinagar, collapsed in November after its organisers allegedly fled, leaving players, officials and staff stranded.
That tournament had featured several international and former Indian cricketers but folded midway through its scheduled matches.