Four cricketers held for playing Pak anthem

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 7

The J&K Police have arrested at least four cricketers in north Kashmir after a video clip surfaced on social media showing Pakistani national anthem purportedly being played in the background before the start of a cricket match.

The video clip is being shared widely on the social media.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, Sheikh Zulfikar Azad said arrests had already been made.

“A case has been registered and we have made arrests,” he said.

Two local cricket teams from Bandipora and organisers of the tournament have been booked under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities Act at the Bandipora police station. Police sources said at least four cricketers had been arrested during the investigation and hunt was on to nab others.

The police also called the parents of the players and village elders and counselled them.

In the video, the players of two cricket teams can be seen lined up while Pakistan anthem is being played in the background.

This is second time that cricketers in Kashmir have been booked for playing neighbouring country’s national anthem before a cricket match. In April last, a police case was registered against a cricket team at Ganderbal district for playing the Pakistani national anthem before a match.