Organisers abscond leaving behind chaos, unpaid dues; foreign players stranded, police probe launched
By Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 3: What began as a glittering sporting spectacle in Kashmir featuring global cricket stars has ended in chaos, unpaid bills, stranded players, and a police investigation.
The privately organised, high-profile Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) T20 tournament in Srinagar has collapsed amid allegations of fraud, financial irregularities, and the sudden disappearance of its organisers.
Billed as a major event to unearth new cricketing talent from Kashmir, the IHPL was launched in October with much fanfare by a Mohali-based group, Yuva Society. The event promised to blend international glamour with local potential, boasting the participation of former global cricket icons like Chris Gayle (West Indies), Jesse Ryder (New Zealand), Devon Smith (West Indies) and Shakib-al-Hasan (Bangladesh) — names that had drawn attention and excitement across the Valley.
However, the league ended abruptly as the organisers allegedly fled, leaving behind unpaid dues estimated between Rs 80–90 lakh, unpaid players, and hotel managements demanding clearance of bills.
A Dream Start Turns into a Nightmare
Huge billboards and social media campaigns had announced the IHPL as Kashmir’s own cricketing extravaganza, with eight regional teams — Srinagar Sultans, Jammu Lions, Ladakh Heroes, Pulwama Titans, Uri Panthers, Gulmarg Royals, Patnitop Warriors, and Kishtwar Giants — set to battle for the trophy at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.
The matches began in the last week of October, featuring music, festivities, and celebrity appearances. But beneath the glitz, cracks soon began to appear. Players and support staff complained of delayed payments and poor facilities. Reports suggest some players were promised up to Rs 3 lakh per match, but those payments never came.
Despite growing unrest, promotional videos continued to appear online showing star players and crowds at Bakshi Stadium. Local cricketers and ground staff reported that match fees, travel, and accommodation assurances were “not honoured.”
Chaos Peaks: Players Refuse to Play
By November 1–2, players refused to turn up for matches due to non-payment, forcing abrupt cancellations. Hotel staff and transport operators also began complaining about unpaid dues.
According to sources, several foreign and domestic players, including Chris Gayle and Jesse Ryder, were stranded at the Radisson Collection Hotel, unable to check out as the management halted their departure until bills were cleared.
The situation came to light when Melissa Juniper, an English umpire at the event, said they had received no payments. “We have not received any payment,” she said, adding that the hotel staff informed her that the organisers were missing.
Some players were reportedly asked to vacate their rooms, while others were left confused and helpless. “No one was responding to calls, and no representative from the management was present,” said a player stranded in Srinagar.
Organisers Vanish Overnight
By the morning of November 2, reports confirmed that the organisers had fled Srinagar, abandoning staff, vendors, and participants. The hotel managements, bus drivers, caterers, and event workers said they had not received their dues, and all contact with the organisers had ceased.
According to sources, Parminder Singh, listed as chairman of Yuva Society, may have been inspired by the success of last year’s privately held Legends’ League Cricket in Kashmir, which had drawn huge crowds. However, the IHPL failed to attract similar spectator interest despite discounted tickets and aggressive promotion by local influencers like Umar Zargar.
Authorities and Sports Council Respond
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) clarified that it had no role beyond granting ground permission. “The organisers wanted to use Bakshi Stadium for the matches and had paid the rent. I have no association with the IHPL; I was present only as an invitee at the inaugural ceremony,” said Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, JK Sports Council.
Questions are now being raised as to how a little-known organisation with no past experience in large-scale sports events was allowed to host an international-format league in the Valley.
Additionally, the IHPL website reportedly used the photographs of former Indian cricketers Surendra Khanna and Ashu Dani without clearly mentioning their roles in the event, adding to suspicions about the legitimacy of its promotional material.
FIR Registered; Police Probe Underway
On November 3, the Jammu & Kashmir Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of law at Rajbagh Police Station.
“A detailed investigation is underway to trace the organisers and examine the financial transactions involved,” said a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, political leaders have sought accountability, with the BJP’s Kashmir unit terming the incident a “fraud that has embarrassed Kashmir.”
A Blow to Kashmir’s Sporting Aspirations
The IHPL’s collapse is seen as a setback for Kashmir’s growing sports ecosystem, particularly when the Valley has been emerging as a promising venue for national and international sporting events.
As the dust settles, questions of accountability, financial transparency, and player safety in privately run leagues remain unanswered. For now, what began as a celebration of cricket in paradise has ended in disillusionment — a reminder that glamour without governance can lead to a game of deceit.— (KNO)
BJP seeks answers from Sports Minister
Moments after police registered a case and initiated a probe into the controversy surrounding the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) T20 in Srinagar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sought answers from the government, terming the episode a “setback” for budding cricketers in Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur, speaking to reporters, as per the news agency that the recent controversy has once again highlighted the dismal state of cricket affairs in the region, alleging that “frequent irregularities and mismanagement” have become common since political changes in the region.
“Following recent political transitions, cricket in Jammu and Kashmir has suffered repeated setbacks, particularly under the National Conference government,” Thakur said while speaking to the media, as per news agency.
He added that they want to ask the Sports Minister of J&K about the current situation of cricket in the Union Territory. “It directly concerns the future of our local youth who are turning to the sport with hope. The government’s actions are putting their future at risk,” he said.
He urged the administration to ensure a transparent investigation into the IHPL matter, stressing that accountability must be fixed “to restore confidence among young players and the sports community.”
Commenting on the Darbar Move to Jammu, Thakur said, “The Chief Minister alone cannot move the Darbar unless the Lieutenant Governor permits it. The National Conference has a habit of taking credit for administrative decisions such as this move.”
Earlier, a senior police officer told news agency that an FIR has been registered in connection with the IHPL controversy after players complained of unpaid dues and abrupt cancellations. (KNO)
