Web Desk
Police in Indian Occupied Kashmir have lodged an FIR against two cricket teams in northern district of Bandipora after a video went viral on social networking sites showing the players of the teams wearing Pakistani jerseys and playing the Pakistan national anthem before their match. According to Indian and Kashmiri media, the incident happened at the final of a local tournament in Arin, Bandipora, a week ago. The area was a hotbed of anti-India movement in the 1990s. The local teams involved were reportedly identified as MCC Gondipora and Dardpora Cricket Club. The video, apparently shot on a cell phone, went viral . It shows both teams lined up before the start of the match with one in green jerseys and the other in white. The players can be seen standing with their heads bowed as the Pakistan national anthem plays in the background over loudspeakers. The stadium where the incident took place is a local ground situated among hillocks. Another police official who didn’t wish to be named said, “An investigation has been initiated and arrests have been made.” Last year, a number of cricket teams were booked for similar incidents in southern districts of Indian Held Kashmir. In May last year, a video showed members of two teams, ‘Shining Stars Pampore’ and ‘Pulwama Tigers’, lined up before the game with the national anthem of Azad Kashmir playing on tape. According to reports, the stadium was decorated with hoardings of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Police later lodged an FIR against organisers and many were detained for questioning.
