The Indian Heaven Premier League, a private T20 cricket tournament in Kashmir, has descended into chaos after its organizers abruptly fled, stranding players and leaving substantial unpaid hotel bills. This fiasco has not only disrupted the event but also raised serious questions about the management and oversight of such sporting initiatives in the region.
The league, organized by the Yuva Society from Punjab, began with much fanfare on October 25, featuring international cricket legends like Chris Gayle and Devon Smith. It aimed to promote grassroots cricket and tourism in Indian-administered Kashmir, with eight teams from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. However, the promising start quickly unraveled as poor attendance and financial mismanagement came to light.
On November 1, organizers allegedly left Srinagar in the middle of the night after only 12 matches were played, halting the tournament midway. They failed to pay players, support staff, and hotel dues, leading to a scramble for resources. Reports indicate that the Radisson Collection Hotel in Srinagar was left with unpaid bills, and CCTV footage showed the organizers fleeing the venue.
Approximately 40 players, including local and international participants, were stranded at their hotels for hours before being allowed to leave. Mellissa Juniper, an English umpire, stated that organizers had not paid anyone, and an agreement was reached with the hotel management to let players return home. In some cases, foreign embassy interventions were necessary to resolve the situation.
The collapse was attributed to dismal crowd turnout, with as few as 400-500 spectators at matches featuring stars like Gayle, despite ticket prices being slashed by a third. Sponsors reportedly withdrew support at the last minute, exacerbating the financial shortfall. Local cricketers expressed frustration, noting that no proper contracts were signed and uniforms were hastily procured locally.
Authorities have registered a case of cheating and breach of trust, with police launching an investigation into the incident. The Jammu and Kashmir administration distanced itself, stating its role was limited to granting permissions, though a government press release had earlier highlighted official involvement in preparations. Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg promised to review the matter to prevent future occurrences.
The incident has deeply disheartened the local cricket community, with former international player Parvez Rasool calling it “unfortunate” and a setback for aspiring cricketers. It has broken the trust of fans and players, who saw the league as a rare opportunity to interact with global stars and gain valuable experience. Moving forward, the fiasco underscores the need for better oversight and financial transparency in private sporting events, potentially leading to stricter regulations in Kashmir.