What was meant to be a landmark cricketing event in Kashmir has turned into a shocking scandal. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), promoted as a platform to discover emerging cricket talent, has left players, fans, and officials stunned after organisers disappeared, leaving unpaid bills and stranded international stars.
The league, launched in the last week of October with massive fanfare, was organised by the Mohali-based Yuva Society. Billboards across the city showcased cricket legends like Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Jesse Ryder, and Shakib-al-Hassan, promising fans an unforgettable tournament where international stars would play alongside local talent. But what began as excitement quickly spiraled into chaos.
Reports confirm that several former international cricketers, including Gayle, were left stranded in hotels in Kashmir due to unpaid bills. Players and staff were left in limbo, unsure of what would happen next. Fans, who had purchased tickets and eagerly awaited the action, were left disappointed after the much-hyped league failed to deliver.
The IHPL was scheduled to run until November 8, offering local players a rare chance to showcase their skills alongside world-class stars. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale of mismanagement, poor planning, and financial negligence, overshadowing the dreams of many young cricketers.
While authorities have not yet commented on the situation, questions are now being raised about transparency, governance, and accountability in privately-run cricket leagues in India. Cricket fans and insiders are hoping that players, staff, and others affected by the fiasco receive the support and compensation they deserve.
For Kashmir and its cricket fans, the IHPL began with hope, promise, and excitement but ended as a stark reminder that poor organisation can derail even the most ambitious sporting events.
