Controversy Surrounds Cricket League in Kashmir
A dispute has arisen regarding a private cricket tournament in Indian-administered Kashmir after organizers reportedly abandoned the event partway through, leaving players, support staff, and hotel payments unpaid.
Promising Start with International Stars
The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), organized by the Yuva Society from neighboring Punjab, initially gained traction with renowned players like Chris Gayle and Devon Smith participating in the opening matches, offering local athletes a unique chance to engage with cricketing legends.
League Abruptly Halted
However, the tournament was prematurely stopped after only a handful of matches, leaving hotel owners and athletes scrambling for their payments. Reports indicate that the organizers left Kashmir in the early hours of November 1, having played just 12 matches, while the league was scheduled to run from October 25 to November 8.
Attendance and Management Concerns
The exact reasons for their departure remain unclear. Local players mentioned that turnout for the matches was significantly lower than expected, with only 400-500 spectators showing up even after ticket prices were reduced by a third. IHPL’s president, Ashu Dani, has not responded to inquiries from the BBC.
Authorities Investigate the Incident
Authorities have filed a case for cheating and breach of trust, launching an investigation into the matter. Former international cricketer Parvez Rasool expressed disappointment, citing poor management and noting that he had not been compensated for his participation.
Stranded Players and Financial Discrepancies
Umpire Mellissa Juniper reported that several players were left stranded at a hotel for hours after the organizers fled. While some players were eventually allowed to return home after intervention from the British embassy, there are still claims of unpaid sums totaling around 5 million rupees ($56,430; £43,210) for approximately 40 local and international players.
Impact on Local Cricket Community
This incident has led to dissatisfaction among local cricketers, damaging trust within the community. Anshul Garg, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, stated that the authorities’ involvement was limited to granting event permissions, vowing to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Many local cricket enthusiasts lamented the abrupt end of the league, stressing that inviting stars like Chris Gayle only to vanish without notice has eroded the trust of players and fans alike.
