Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir: A glittering cricket league that promised to bring international fame to the valleys of Kashmir has ended in chaos and accusations. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) — launched with high hopes, global names, and government backing — has collapsed amid claims that its organizers disappeared without paying players, umpires, or hotels.
The league, promoted as a month-long Twenty20 tournament in Srinagar, had attracted big-name cricketers such as Chris Gayle, Thisara Perera, Jesse Ryder, Richard Levi, and several national players from India and Kashmir. Yet, within ten days, the much-publicized event crumbled, leaving behind unpaid bills, stranded athletes, and police investigations.
“I Never Got My Prize or Match Fee”
For Nadeem Dar, a 22-year-old all-rounder from Kulgam, the tournament was meant to be a dream come true. He was named Player of the Match in the opening game, representing Gulmarg Royals, but the excitement soon turned into disillusionment.
“I thought this was my chance to play alongside world-class players,” Dar told local reporters. “But I received no prize money, no match fee — nothing. It feels like a betrayal.”
According to players and staff, organizers of the IHPL abruptly vanished after just a few matches, allegedly leaving hotel bills unpaid and switching off their phones. International and domestic cricketers were reportedly stuck in hotels until police intervened.
Global Stars Walk Away
Concerns grew when West Indies legend Chris Gayle left the tournament earlier than scheduled. “Gayle realized the payment arrangements weren’t as agreed,” said a source close to one of the participating teams. Following his departure, other foreign players also began to withdraw, sensing deeper issues within the league’s management.
The league was meant to feature over 30 matches spread across a month, but the sudden disappearance of officials forced it to shut down within days.
Who Was Behind the League?
The tournament was organized by an NGO based in Indian Punjab called Yuva Society, led by chairman Paraminder Singh and president Ashu Dhani, a former cricketer. The group claimed to be promoting youth engagement through sports.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir initially supported the event, providing stadium facilities and security through police and paramilitary forces. However, both the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and JK Sports Council have since distanced themselves from the fiasco, asserting that their role was limited to logistical support.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the missing organizers, who are reportedly from Mohali, Punjab. “The company’s representatives went missing overnight,” said a police source. “We’re coordinating with Punjab Police to trace them.”
“Even the Umpires Were Not Paid”
Among those affected was Melissa Juniper, a coach from the UK and one of the foreign umpires invited to officiate the matches. She claimed that none of the international or local officials received any payments.
“No one got paid — not the players, not the umpires. The company disappeared, and hotel staff started demanding bills from us,” she said. “We were stuck until police intervened.”
Hotel management confirmed that several teams and match officials were prevented from checking out after the organizers failed to clear dues.
A Tarnished Dream for Kashmiri Cricket
The controversy has deeply embarrassed local sports authorities. It was the first attempt to stage such a high-profile league in the region, aimed at showcasing Kashmiri talent on an international stage.
Observers say the scandal has dealt a blow to New Delhi’s narrative of “normalcy” and peace in the region post-Article 370, under which special autonomy was revoked in 2019.
“This event was supposed to symbolize peace and progress,” said a former JKCA coach, Ehsan Elahi Zargar. “Instead, it’s exposed how poorly vetted and mismanaged such ventures can be.”
Government’s Push for “Khelo India”
Since the revocation of Kashmir’s special status, the Indian government has promoted large-scale sports events under the Khelo India initiative, aiming to engage youth and counter unemployment and drug abuse.
Officials from the Sports Council, speaking anonymously, admitted that the league was approved without proper background checks. “When Yuva Society proposed the event, it looked legitimate,” one official said. “We only provided infrastructure and logistics — but it turned out to be a fake league.”
Investigations Underway
Police sources in Srinagar have confirmed that an inquiry is ongoing, and coordination with Punjab Police continues. The Yuva Society remains unrecognized by both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) — raising further questions about how such an unverified body was allowed to host an international-style tournament.
As of now, many players are still awaiting their dues. What began as a celebration of sport in the troubled Himalayan valley has ended as a cautionary tale of misplaced trust and mismanagement.
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