Srinagar / Mohali:
What began as a glittering T20 cricket tournament featuring global stars like Chris Gayle and Jesse Ryder has ended in embarrassment and confusion. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), held in Srinagar, came to an abrupt halt after organisers allegedly fled without paying players and staff, leaving participants stranded and hotel bills unpaid.
The event, which was promoted as a Kashmir counterpart to the IPL, failed to draw spectators, and by the end of its first week, the much-hyped tournament had collapsed spectacularly.
What Was the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL)?
The IHPL was organised by the Yuva Society, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Punjab’s Mohali. Despite limited experience, the group managed to secure logistical support from local authorities, including security and emergency medical arrangements, and booked the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar by paying the rent upfront to the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council.
The tournament kicked off with fanfare on October 25 and was scheduled to conclude on November 8. Promotional billboards across Srinagar featured international cricketers such as Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, and Shakib-al-Hasan, with the promise of thrilling matches and entertainment akin to top-tier T20 leagues.
Matches Played — And Where It All Fell Apart
The IHPL featured eight teams named after Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regions — Srinagar Sultans, Jammu Lions, Ladakh Heroes, Pulwama Titans, Patnitop Warriors, Kishtwar Giants, Uri Panthers, and Gulmarg Royals.
Most of the matches were held at Bakshi Stadium, with loud music and entertainment during breaks. However, despite the star presence, crowds were almost non-existent.
By November 1, only 12 matches had been completed. When the 13th match, between Uri Panthers and Gulmarg Royals, was scheduled, no organiser turned up. Players refused to take the field due to unpaid fees and allowances, and soon reports surfaced that Chris Gayle and several foreign players had already left.
The organisers’ sudden disappearance left the players, umpires, and hotel staff in disarray — with the hotel allegedly preventing players from leaving until pending dues were cleared.
How Did Chris Gayle Get Involved?
Chris Gayle, one of the most recognisable names in world cricket, had previously participated in the Legends League Cricket held in Kashmir in 2024, which was a massive hit among local fans.
According to PTI, that success may have inspired Parminder Singh, listed as the chairman of the Yuva Society, to organise the IHPL this year — hoping to replicate the same enthusiasm. However, unlike the previous event, the IHPL suffered from poor promotion, low turnout, and alleged financial mismanagement.
Umpire’s Testimony Reveals the Extent of Mismanagement
The story came to light when Melissa Juniper, an English umpire officiating in the tournament, spoke to reporters outside the players’ hotel.
“We haven’t been paid, and we’ve been told the organisers are missing,” she said, adding that the hotel management had informed them about non-payment by the organisers.
Local police reportedly visited the hotel, but no official statement has been released yet on any legal action against the organisers.
Questions Mount Over Permission and Accountability
The fiasco has raised several questions about how an unverified organisation with no prior experience in conducting large-scale sports events managed to secure permission to use a state-run stadium.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, clarified that the organisers had paid the booking amount and that her office had no involvement beyond that.
“I was present only at the inaugural ceremony as an invitee,” Gul told PTI.
The Yuva Society’s website featured images of former Indian cricketers Surendra Khanna and Ashu Dani, described in reports as “mentors,” though their exact roles remain unclear.
The matches were streamed live on FanCode, giving the league some legitimacy, but insiders now say that several aspects — including player contracts and sponsor deals — were handled without proper verification.
Empty Stands, Unpaid Bills, and Vanishing Organisers
Even when Chris Gayle smashed an explosive 88-run knock, the stands remained largely empty, indicating the lack of local engagement and poor event management.
By the end of the first week, players, coaches, and technical staff were left in financial limbo, hotels demanded unpaid dues, and the organisers vanished without notice — turning what was meant to be a celebration of cricket into a cautionary tale of mismanagement.
Key Takeaways from the IHPL Controversy
- Organisers: Yuva Society, Mohali-based NGO
- Duration: October 25 – November 8, 2025 (ended early)
- Location: Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar
- Teams: 8 (named after J&K regions)
- Star Players: Chris Gayle, Jesse Ryder, Devon Smith, Shakib-al-Hasan
- Matches Held: 12 (tournament abandoned mid-way)
- Main Issues: Non-payment, missing organisers, poor attendance, lack of oversight