Pakistani die-hard fan of batsman Virat Kohli was on Thursday sentenced to 10 in jail for ten years for hoisting the Indian tri-colour flag atop his home in Punjab Province which he had done to show his love for the cricketer.

According to police Umar Daraz, 22, went “against the ideology of Pakistan” when he waved the flag at his house in Okara town in Punjab province Tuesday during the match against Australia in Adelaide.

Police arrested Daraz after conducting a raid on his home and registered a case under the Maintenance of Public Order.

Draz was arrested on January 26 when India beat Australia in a T20 match and Kohli scored 90 runs. Police raided Draz home on a complaint that he hoisted the Indian flag on the rooftop of his house.

Police registered a case under section 123-A of Pakistan Penal Code and 16 Maintenance of Public Order against him.

The section 123-A (acts of damaging the sovereignty of the country) carries maximum punishment of 10 years in jail or fine or both.

Draz pleaded before the judge that he hoisted the Indian flag only for his love for Kohli. Police had sought his physical remand for investigation into the case, however, the judge sent him to jail.

Regional Police officer Faisal Rana said Daraz was charged under Pakistan s penal code with acting against Pakistan s sovereignty.

“Daraz initially told us that he is a true Pakistani but likes Kohli and never knew that was a crime,” Rana told media. “His act is against our country s sovereignty and is against the ideology of Pakistan.”

Earlier, talking to reporters Draz said: “I am a big fan of Virat Kohli. I support the Indian team because of Kohli. Hoisting of Indian flag on the rooftop of house only shows my love for the Indian cricketer.”

He said he had no idea that he committed a crime, urging the authorities concerned to pardon him as he should be seen as “an Indian cricketer’s fan.” Poster size photographs of Kohli were also found pasted on the walls of his house. Police seized the flag and Kohli’s posters and pictures.

India stalled cricket matches against Pakistan in the wake of a 2008 militant attack in the commercial hub Mumbai that left 166 people dead and was blamed on extremists based across the border.

Last month, India refused to play a planned series with Pakistan after agreeing to stage the matches in the neutral venues of Sri Lanka. The foes last played a full bilateral series in 2007.