A private cricket league in Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked outrage after its organizers abruptly abandoned the tournament, leaving players, support staff, and hotel owners unpaid. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), organized by the Yuva Society from Punjab, initially showed promise with international cricket legends like Chris Gayle and Devon Smith participating in the opening matches. However, the league was halted after just 12 of the scheduled 20 matches, with organizers allegedly fleeing Kashmir on November 1, leaving behind unpaid bills and disgruntled participants. Local players reported poor attendance, with only 400-500 spectators at the opening match despite reduced ticket prices. Police have registered a case of cheating and breach of trust, launching an investigation into the incident. Parvez Rasool, a former international cricketer, criticized the poor management, while fast bowler Abid Nabi lamented the lost opportunity for local players to gain experience alongside international stars. The Radisson Collection Hotel in Srinagar, where organizers stayed, claimed they fled in the middle of the night, leaving behind unpaid dues. Umpire Mellissa Juniper revealed that around 40 players were stranded for hours before being allowed to leave, with unpaid wages totaling 5 million rupees ($56,430). Authorities in Kashmir have distanced themselves from the league, emphasizing their limited role in granting permissions. The incident has left local cricket enthusiasts disillusioned, with resident Tahir Hussain stating that the sudden collapse has shattered trust among players, fans, and the community.
Players stranded, hotels unpaid – how a Kashmir cricket league turned into a fiasco
