In a disturbing escalation of the Modi government’s ongoing hostility toward Kashmiri Muslims, even the cricket field has not been spared.
In a shocking incident, Farhan Bhatt, a cricketer from occupied Jammu and Kashmir, faced a ban during a local tournament for displaying the Palestinian flag on his helmet sparking outrage and concern across communities.
The controversy unfolded during a match in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League, when photos and videos of Bhatt’s helmet featuring the Palestinian flag went viral on social media.
The images immediately drew the attention of Indian authorities, prompting police to summon both the player and tournament organizers for questioning.
Jammu and Kashmir police stated that a player and an official were called in to clarify the use of the flag, while they investigate whether any political motivations were involved.
Adding to the tension, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association distanced itself from the incident, noting that the Champions League is not an officially sanctioned tournament and that Farhan Bhatt has no formal ties to the association.
Despite this clarification, tournament officials controversially imposed a ban on Bhatt, barring him from participating in future league matches.
The move has intensified concerns that Kashmiri Muslims are being targeted not only socially and politically but even in recreational spaces like cricket, a sport meant to unify rather than divide.
