Thu Jan 01 19:35:24 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

A Kashmiri cricketer, Furqan Bhat, sparked controversy in Jammu on January 1, 2026, by wearing a helmet adorned with a Palestinian flag during a private cricket tournament (Jammu and Kashmir Champions League). The incident, caught on video and circulated online, led to outrage in Jammu and prompted police to question Bhat and the tournament organizer, Zahid Bhat. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) disavowed any connection to the tournament or the player. A local BJP leader condemned the act as promoting a “subversive agenda” and called for a thorough investigation.

News Article:

Kashmiri Cricketer’s Palestinian Flag Helmet Sparks Outrage in Jammu

Jammu, January 2, 2026: A local cricketer from Kashmir has triggered a wave of controversy in Jammu after sporting a helmet bearing a Palestinian flag during a private cricket match on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Furqan Bhat, playing for JK11 in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League (JKCL) against Jammu Trailblazers, was seen wearing the helmet, prompting a video of the incident to go viral online. The display drew immediate criticism from many online users in Jammu.

The Jammu Police have since summoned both Bhat and the tournament organizer, Zahid Bhat, for questioning. While officials declined to comment, sources indicated that no First Information Report (FIR) had been filed as of Thursday evening.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) swiftly distanced itself from the incident, stating that it had no affiliation with the tournament or the player in question.

The incident has also drawn political condemnation. R.S. Pathania, a senior BJP leader and MLA, denounced Bhat’s action as “a nasty attempt to use a cricket ground as a platform for promoting a subversive agenda,” or the act showed “absolute obliviousness to the Indian stance.” Pathania urged authorities to conduct a detailed probe into the matter.

The incident has raised concerns about the intersection of sports and politics, and the potential for such displays to incite unrest or division. The investigation is ongoing.

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