Controversy erupted in the American Premier League (APL) when disputes arose between the league owner and umpires concerning alleged unpaid fees. Umpires asserted that they were owed $30,000 which remained unpaid. However, APL countered, stating the umpires demanded an additional $30,000 despite receiving a down payment, threatening to halt the semi-finals. APL further claimed that law enforcement was summoned, and the umpires were expelled from the venue, described as being “thrown out of the ground” by the organizers.

“The Umpires were paid a down payment and they held the semifinal hostage and blackmailed the owner in shelling out 30k or else no match. Danny Khan, Vijaya, Brian Owens were told that they cannot black mail and hold the semi hostage as an umpire but these greedy umpires didn’t budge at which point they were asked to leave so the match goes on and they refused and held the match hostage at which point cops called,” wrote APL through its X account.

Danny Khan ,Vijaya ,Brian Owens were told that they cannot black mail and hold the semi hostage as an umpire but these greedy umpires didn’t budge at which point they were asked to leave so the match goes on and they refused and held the match hostage at which point cops called

— American Premiere League (APL) (@APLCRICKETUSA) December 31, 2023

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And these greedy umpires were thrown out of the ground .
An umpire should never hold a match hostage especially when they know it’s the playoffs and black mail the league owner into submission.
So please get the other side of the story first before posting a one sided story

— American Premiere League (APL) (@APLCRICKETUSA) December 31, 2023

“And these greedy umpires were thrown out of the ground. An umpire should never hold a match hostage especially when they know it’s the playoffs and blackmail the league owner into submission,” it added.

Relating to the situation renowned journalist Peter Della Penna shared the situation of the other party as well

Here’s another update from the drama unfolding in Texas today at the American Premier League T20 cricket event. Umpires who had the cops called on them by APL official for not taking the field say they refused to take the field because they were owed… Approximately $30,000. https://t.co/rzodjRUVSg pic.twitter.com/VaK5WLeyXM

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) December 30, 2023

“I am Vijaya Prakash Mallela, one of the ICC Panel Umpire from the USA. It was a pleasure working with the teams for the last 10 days. Sorry, this has to end this way with umpires not getting paid about $30,000.00 balance, after paying our own expenses. Police were called on us when we demanded the payment towards our services and expenses. We had no choice, but leave. Good luck to all of you in your future endeavours,” was written in the screenshot shared by Penna.

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