Breaking: Huge controversy erupts in Headingley as an aeroplane with slogan for Kashmir seen making rounds

Debasis Sen, Leeds: Huge controversy erupts as a helicopter with anti India slogan was seen circling over Headingley Stadium during India’s final World Cup group league game against Sri Lanka. The helicopter was seen twice. Once at the start of play and second time during the first drinks break of Sri Lanka innings. It was circling over the stadium for the entire stretch of drinks break. Later Indian team has officially lodged a complaint about the players complaining the noise.

 Few days back at this same venue Pakistani and Afghanistan fans were involved in a fight. Security arrangements has been increased for Indian team.

It was the second such incident at the event in England and Wales, after a banner was flown over the same ground in Leeds during last week’s match between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

An insurgency in Indian-occupied Kashmir over the past three decades has left more than 70,000 dead, mainly civilians.

“We are incredibly disappointed this has happened again,” the International Cricket Council said in a statement. “We do not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“Throughout the tournament we have worked with local police forces around the country to prevent this type of protest occurring. After the previous incident we were assured by West Yorkshire Police there would not be a repeat of this issue, so we are very dissatisfied it has happened again.”

Last week’s group game between Pakistan and Afghanistan was marred by clashes between fans, prompting a police probe.

The ugly scenes were sparked by the flying of a banner over the ground reading: “Justice for Balochistan.”