Is the League Recognized? JKCA Responds to Cricketer with Palestine Flag on Helmet in Jammu
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Synopsis
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has clarified that a player using a Palestine flag on his helmet during a local match is part of an unrecognized league. The police are investigating the situation as this incident raises concerns about unauthorized tournaments in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The JKCA does not recognize the league featuring the cricketer.
- Involvement of police highlights concerns about unauthorized sports events.
- The incident reflects ongoing issues in local cricket governance.
- Previous incidents, like the IHPL, raise red flags about the legitimacy of local leagues.
- The welfare of players is compromised in unregulated tournaments.
New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) stated on Thursday to IANS that a player who was seen wearing a Palestine flag on his helmet while batting in a local league match in Jammu is associated with a tournament that lacks their recognition.
Reports indicate that Furqan Bhat, participating in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League that commenced on December 29, has been summoned by the police along with league organizer Zahid Bhat for interrogation.
“The league is not acknowledged by JKCA,” Brig Anil Gupta (Retd), a member of the JKCA administration, conveyed to IANS on Thursday. It has been clarified that the player was not registered with the JKCA or any affiliated organizations within the state.
Authorities reportedly arrived at the scene following the incident gaining widespread attention online. An investigation has been initiated into this unauthorized cricket league. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its state associations prohibit players from participating in unrecognized tournaments.
This marks the second league from Jammu and Kashmir under scrutiny, following the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), which faced issues when its organizers allegedly fled Srinagar on November 1 after deceiving players, match officials, broadcasters, and hoteliers.
The Indian Heaven Premier League, launched on October 25 at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar featuring international stars like Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, and Thisara Perera, collapsed after only 12 out of 27 scheduled matches.
Organized by the Mohali-based Yuva Society, this league included eight teams: Pulwama Titans, Ladakh Heroes, Srinagar Sultans, Kishtwar Giants, Gulmarg Royals, Patnitop Warriors, Jammu Lions, and Uri Panthers, with a planned conclusion on November 8.
Approximately 70 cricketers, including former Indian players Praveen Kumar, Iqbal Abdullah, and Parvez Rasool, along with umpires and support staff, were left stranded after the organizers vanished mid-tournament.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight that the JKCA's stance on unrecognized leagues emphasizes the need for official oversight in sports. The situation reflects broader issues of governance and regulation within local cricket, urging players and organizers to adhere to established protocols.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the JKCA say about the player wearing the Palestine flag?
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association stated that the league the player is participating in is not recognized by them.
Who is the player involved in the incident?
The player is Furqan Bhat, who was seen wearing the Palestine flag on his helmet during a local league match.
What actions have been taken by the police?
The police have called in Furqan Bhat and the league's organizer for questioning and have launched an investigation into the unauthorized cricket league.
What is the significance of the JKCA's statement?
The JKCA's statement highlights the importance of official recognition for cricket leagues and the implications for player participation.
What previous issues have occurred with local leagues in Jammu and Kashmir?
This incident follows the collapse of the Indian Heaven Premier League, where organizers vanished after failing to meet their commitments.
