Organisers Vanish Overnight, Leaving Players Stranded
The much-hyped Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) came crashing down unceremoniously in Srinagar on November 2, after its organisers mysteriously disappeared overnight. The privately run T20 tournament in Jammu and Kashmir has left around 70 players and staff stranded in hotels, with unpaid dues and unsettled bills running into lakhs of rupees.
A Grand Start Turns Sour
The tournament began on October 25 at the historic Bakshi Stadium with great fanfare and promises of reviving sports tourism in the Valley. The event had attracted big names from international cricket — including Chris Gayle (West Indies), Jesse Ryder (New Zealand), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka), and Richard Levi (South Africa). Former Indian all-rounder Parvez Rasool was among the prominent domestic faces.
Organised by the Yuva Society in partnership with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), the IHPL was touted as a youth-driven initiative to promote peace and tourism through sports. The organisers had promised a grand finale on November 8.
Poor Turnout, Sponsor Exit, and Financial Chaos
Barely a week after its launch, the league descended into chaos. A dismal public turnout, sponsor withdrawals, and financial irregularities crippled the event. Reports suggest that several players boycotted matches after realising that their contracts and payment terms had not been honoured.
Hotel staff at several Srinagar establishments, including The Residency, revealed that the organisers left abruptly without clearing dues for more than 150 room bookings.
Foreign Umpires Seek Embassy Help
Amid the turmoil, several international participants were left stranded. English umpire Mellisa Juniper reportedly reached out to her country’s embassy for assistance. Police officials later intervened to ensure the safety of both Indian and foreign participants.
While some stars like Chris Gayle managed to leave early, others were stuck in the Valley until the authorities stepped in to resolve the situation.
Government Promises Stern Action
Reacting to the controversy, Jammu and Kashmir’s Sports Minister Satish Sharma vowed strict action against those responsible. “The government had no direct involvement with this private event. Any fraudulent activity will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.
Questions Over Unaccredited Leagues
The IHPL fiasco has sparked a larger debate over the growing number of unaccredited private leagues across India. Experts say that the absence of regulatory oversight exposes players — especially young and aspiring ones — to exploitation and fraud.
The collapse of the Indian Heaven Premier League not only left dozens of players and officials humiliated but also cast a shadow over Jammu and Kashmir’s efforts to position itself as a sporting destination — a tarnish on what many call “heaven on earth.”