The Indian Heaven Premier League, a T20 tournament billed as a major cricketing event in Jammu and Kashmir, collapsed big time over the weekend. Organisers reportedly fled Srinagar, leaving behind unpaid bills, stranded players, and shocked hotel staff. The league, which began on October 25 at Bakshi Stadium, had promised international stars including Chris Gayle, Jesse Ryder, and Thisara Perera and was scheduled to run until November 7.
Chaos in Srinagar
By Sunday, the stadium and hotels were almost deserted. Around 40 players, including international recruits, were caught in limbo without pay or clear instructions. Mellisa Juniper, an English umpire in the tournament, said, “The organisers have not cleared payments for players, umpires, or hotels. Some of us had to involve embassies to get players home.”
Former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool confirmed that some players were temporarily blocked from leaving the hotel until the matter was sorted.
The league, promoted by Yuva Society Mohali in partnership with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, had aimed to boost youth cricket and sports tourism and give local players exposure alongside international stars. Surinder Khanna, a former India cricketer and IHPL mentor, had described the event as a “golden opportunity” for Kashmir’s youth.
But from day one, mismanagement was apparent. Matches were poorly attended even after ticket prices were slashed, and uniforms had to be improvised locally as organisers had not prepared contracts or essentials for players.
Chris Gayle’s appearances were the only games to draw noticeable crowds. Other internationals like Thisara Perera, Richard Levi, and Jesse Ryder participated briefly before departing amid uncertainty.
Several local officials insisted the government had no role in running the league, beyond providing the stadium and approving security. Yet a government press release from October 22 showed official involvement in preparations, suggesting expectations of tens of thousands of spectators at Bakshi Stadium. For now, players have returned home, fans are disappointed, and the dream of an international-standard T20 league in the Kashmir Valley has ended in an ugly fashion.
