Srinagar, Nov 6: A privately organised cricket tournament in Kashmir, the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), has ended in controversy after its organisers allegedly fled midway through the event without paying players, support staff, and hotel dues.
The league, launched on 25 October with much fanfare by Punjab-based NGO Yuva Society, featured international cricket stars such as Chris Gayle and Devon Smith, offering local players a rare chance to share the field with global icons. However, the tournament was abruptly halted after just 12 matches, far short of its scheduled conclusion on 8 November.
According to players and hotel staff, the organisers allegedly left Kashmir in the middle of the night on 1 November, leaving unpaid bills and stranded participants behind. The poor public response to the matches—where only a few hundred spectators turned up despite slashed ticket prices—reportedly contributed to the sudden exit.
Police have registered a case of cheating and breach of trust, while IHPL president Ashu Dani has remained unreachable for comment. Local cricketers, including former India player Parvez Rasool, have condemned the incident, calling it “disheartening” for the valley’s young talents.
An official from a Srinagar hotel claimed CCTV footage showed the organisers fleeing after partial payments, while English umpire Mellissa Juniper alleged that nearly 40 local and overseas players were left unpaid to the tune of ₹50 lakh.
Authorities have distanced themselves from the fiasco, stating that their involvement was limited to granting event permissions. Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg assured that the matter would be investigated to prevent future lapses.
The episode has left a deep sense of betrayal among local fans and cricketers, many of whom had hoped the league would spotlight Kashmir’s cricketing potential. “You can’t invite stars like Chris Gayle and then vanish suddenly,” said a disappointed spectator, Tahir Hussain. (Agencies)
