**Controversy Erupts Over Private Cricket League in Indian-Administered Kashmir**

A controversy has erupted over a private cricket league in Indian-administered Kashmir after its organisers allegedly abandoned the tournament mid-way, leaving players, support staff, and hotel bills unpaid.

The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), organised by the Yuva Society non-profit from neighbouring Punjab state, began on a promising note. International cricket legends like Chris Gayle and Devon Smith participated in the opening matches, offering local players a rare opportunity to interact with global cricket stars.

However, the tournament came to a sudden halt after just 12 matches. The organisers reportedly fled Kashmir in the middle of the night on 1 November, leaving hotel owners and players scrambling for their dues. The league, which started on 25 October, was originally scheduled to conclude on 8 November.

It remains unclear why the organisers abruptly left. Local players told the BBC that the matches failed to attract the anticipated crowds, drawing far fewer spectators than the expected 25,000 to 30,000. During the first match featuring Chris Gayle, there were only 400-500 attendees, even after ticket prices were slashed by a third.

IHPL’s president, Ashu Dani, has not responded to inquiries from the BBC.

Police have registered a case of cheating and breach of trust and launched an investigation into the incident.

### Local Players Express Disappointment

The collapse of the league has left local cricketers angry and disheartened. Parvez Rasool, a former international cricketer, described the event as “unfortunate” and said it had “disheartened aspiring cricketers from Kashmir valley.” He attributed the failure to poor management and alleged he had not been paid for his participation in the tournament.

Another local cricketer, Abid Nabi, known for his fast bowling, told the BBC that the league would have been “the best opportunity for local players to share dressing rooms with international cricketers and gain experience.” However, he lamented, “Unfortunately, things weren’t organised properly, leaving the players high and dry.”

### Organisers’ Abrupt Departure and Unpaid Dues

In the two weeks leading up to the event, organisers had actively promoted the league with billboards and posters. The competition featured eight teams from the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions, comprising both local and international players.

An official from the Radisson Collection Hotel in Srinagar, where the organisers had stayed, revealed on condition of anonymity that he was “shocked” after reviewing CCTV footage showing the organisers allegedly fleeing the venue in the middle of the night. The hotel reportedly received only a partial payment and has unsuccessfully attempted to contact the IHPL organisers multiple times.

Mellissa Juniper, an umpire from England, said several players were left stranded at the hotel for about three hours after the organisers vanished. Sources in the administration told the BBC that the British embassy intervened before the hotel allowed players to leave, though the hotel management has denied this.

“We came to an agreement with the hotel management to allow the players to return home with their families,” Ms Juniper said, adding that approximately 40 local and overseas players are still owed around 5 million rupees ($56,430; £43,210).

### Authorities Respond

Authorities in Kashmir appear to be distancing themselves from the league. Anshul Garg, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, told the BBC that the administration’s role was limited to granting permissions for the event and the venue.

“We will definitely look into the matter and see that such incidents are not repeated again,” Mr Garg said.

### Impact on Local Cricket Community

The episode has shaken the hopes of local cricket enthusiasts.

“You can’t invite stars like Chris Gayle and then vanish suddenly,” said Tahir Hussain, a resident of northern Kashmir. He added that the incident has broken the trust of players, fans, and the local community alike.

As investigations continue, the future of private cricket leagues in the region remains uncertain, and local players are left hoping for better-managed opportunities in the days ahead.
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