A major controversy has erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir following the abrupt collapse of a private cricket league, leaving players, support staff, and local businesses unpaid and scrambling for answers. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), organised by the Yuva Society, a non-profit group based in the neighbouring state of Punjab, was launched amid much fanfare at the end of October. The tournament initially promised to be a landmark event for the region’s cricketing community, featuring international stars such as West Indies legend Chris Gayle and former West Indies batsman Devon Smith. However, the league came to an unexpected halt after just 12 matches, with the organisers reportedly vanishing overnight on 1 November, leaving debts unpaid and many questions unanswered.
The IHPL had kicked off on 25 October with high hopes and ambitions, aiming to run through to 8 November. It featured eight teams drawn from the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions, blending local talent with international players. The tournament was seen as a rare opportunity for Kashmiri cricketers to rub shoulders and gain experience alongside seasoned professionals from around the world. For many local players, this was a chance to showcase their skills on a bigger stage and inspire the region’s cricket-loving youth.
Despite the promising start, the league quickly ran into trouble. According to local players and observers, the matches failed to attract the large crowds organisers had anticipated. Early expectations had suggested that as many as 25,000 to 30,000 spectators would turn up to matches, but the reality on the ground was starkly different. During the opening match featuring Chris Gayle, it was reported that only 400 to 500 people attended. Even after organisers slashed ticket prices by a third in an attempt to boost attendance, the crowds remained sparse. The lack of public enthusiasm not only affected the atmosphere but also raised concerns about the financial viability of the event.
Then, in a sudden and dramatic move, the organisers allegedly fled Kashmir in the middle of the night on 1 November, leaving behind numerous unpaid bills. Hotel owners, players, and support staff were left in a lurch, with significant sums owed to them. The Radisson Collection Hotel in Srinagar, where the organisers had been staying, claimed to have received only partial payment for their services. A hotel official, speaking anonymously to the BBC, expressed shock at seeing CCTV footage that appeared to show the organisers leaving the venue in the dead of night without settling their dues. Despite repeated attempts to contact the IHPL management, the hotel said it had received no response.
The sudden exit of the organisers also stranded many players and officials at the hotel for several hours. English umpire Mellissa Juniper recounted how local and overseas players were stuck without clarity or support for around three hours after the organisers disappeared. According to sources, only after intervention by British embassy officials were the stranded players allowed to leave the hotel. However, the hotel management denied that any embassy involvement was necessary. Ms Juniper further alleged that approximately 40 players—both local and international—were still owed around 5 million rupees (roughly $56,000 or £43,000) in unpaid fees.
The fallout from the league’s collapse has left many local cricketers frustrated and disheartened. Parvez Rasool, a former international player from Kashmir, described the incident as “unfortunate” and lamented its impact on the morale of aspiring cricketers in the region. He attributed the failure to poor management and disclosed that he himself had not received payment for participating in the tournament. Similarly, Abid Nabi, a well-known fast bowler from Kashmir, expressed deep disappointment, calling the league “the best opportunity” for local players to gain exposure and experience alongside international stars. He criticised the organisers for their lack of proper planning and for leaving players “high and dry” in the middle of the competition.
The abrupt disappearance of the IHPL organisers has also raised serious questions about the oversight and regulation of such sporting events in Kashmir. Despite the scale of the tournament and its involvement of international players, the local administration’s role appears to have been limited to granting permission for the event and the use of venues. Anshul Garg, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, told the BBC that the administration would investigate the incident and take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. However, no clear indication was given about any prior vetting or ongoing supervision of the league’s financial