JKCA demands apology from Bangalore Police

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association on Saturday termed as "shocking and unfortunate" the detention of a young cricketer in Bangalore after traces of explosives were found from his kit bag and sought an apology from the Bangalore Police, who later released the player for lack of evidence.

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association on Saturday termed as "shocking and unfortunate" the detention of a young cricketer in Bangalore after traces of explosives were found from his kit bag and sought an apology from the Bangalore Police, who later released the player for lack of evidence.

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Parvez Rasool, a Under-22 cricketer from the militancy-hit state, was detained on Saturday morning from a room in the Karnataka State Cricket Association stadium after detectors found traces of RDX in his kit bag.

Demanding an apology from the Karnataka Police, Saleem Khan, secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association alleged that their cricketers were harassed by the police.

"I don't think they have any links. They have been playing for the last 4-5 seasons. They have been going to all states of the country. We are in touch with the team but the harassment is hundred percent. The police are harassing them to leave the stadium," Khan said.

Another member of the JKCA, Manzoor Wazir, was so peeved with the incident that he even went to the extent of saying that such issues had the potential to derail the peace process in the state.

"It's sad and unfortunate. It's a big shock to us. I have seen these boys grow as cricketers. We have absolute faith in their integrity and disciplined behaviour.

"I just see it as nothing than harassment. We are talking about normalising the situation but these sort of incidents can create repercussions," Wazir said.