SRINAGAR: The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), billed as Kashmir’s biggest cricket carnival featuring former international stars, collapsed overnight in Srinagar, leaving unpaid bills, stranded players, and stunned hotel staff in its wake.
Organisers of the glittering T20 event — a joint venture between Yuva Society, a youth-focused non-profit, and the J&K Cricket Association — allegedly fled the Valley at midnight. By Sunday morning, Bakshi Stadium was deserted and about 40 players remained stuck in hotels, unable to settle accommodation dues.
English umpire Mellissa Juniper said players only managed to secure checkout after negotiating directly with hotel management.
“Organisers have fled from the hotel. They have not paid the hotel, the players, or the umpires. We’ve reached an agreement with the hotel so players can go home. It’s unfair to keep them here away from their families,” she said.
International cricketers Chris Gayle, Jesse Ryder, and Thisara Perera had headlined the tournament, which promised to bring “global cricket to J&K” and boost sports tourism. On Sunday, most players found themselves stranded; hotel officials confirmed that several foreign cricketers checked out early after sensing trouble.
A senior official at The Residency Hotel said the organisers had booked nearly 150 rooms for ten days.
“They promised a grand event with stars like Chris Gayle to boost Kashmiri tourism. On Sunday morning, we found they had disappeared without clearing dues,” the official said.
Embassies Contacted
Former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool, who played in the league, said some players were initially prevented from leaving until diplomatic intervention was sought.
“An English umpire had to contact the British embassy,” Rasool said.
Local cricketers described chaotic management from the first day — low turnout, absent sponsors, and basic logistics falling apart.
“On the first day, there were no uniforms. They bought them locally. No player contracts were signed,” a prominent local player alleged.
Official Permission vs. Official Distance
A J&K Sports Council official confirmed that IHPL president Ashu Dani sought and obtained the necessary clearances, including stadium infrastructure.
“They paid our fee. Government had no role in organising the league,” the official said.
However, a government press release dated October 22 indicated official involvement, with Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg personally reviewing arrangements and projecting crowds of 25,000–30,000 at Bakshi Stadium.
Dream Sold, Then Vanished
The league, announced on September 18, promised youth empowerment, grassroots cricket development, and major tourism visibility. Former India cricketer and IHPL mentor Surinder Khanna called it a “golden opportunity to find the next Umran Malik or Parvez Rasool.”
IHPL claimed participation of 32 former international players. Chris Gayle’s matches drew modest crowds; Thisara Perera played only once, while Richard Levi (South Africa) and Ayan Khan (Oman) also featured.
But empty stands, failed sponsorship, and unpaid bills sunk the venture. By the weekend, the dream had evaporated — along with the organisers.
