Indian Heaven Premier League Featuring Chris Gayle In Trouble After Organisers Disappear

Dozens of players, including former international cricketers, were stranded in a Srinagar hotel after the organisers of the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) quietly left Kashmir late Saturday night without paying hotel bills or compensating players. The shocking incident came to light after a British umpire associated with the league spoke about the ordeal. Several former international cricketers, including Chris Gayle, were participating in the league. Sources said Gayle had already left Srinagar.

Yuva Society, based in Mohali, Punjab, had organised the tournament and booked hotel rooms for players and umpires until November 9. Even though the J&K administration and police had granted permission for the league, no one is now willing to speak following the embarrassing fiasco and sudden termination of matches. A senior officer told NDTV that an inquiry into the incident may be ordered. Police have filed an FIR against the organisers.

Sources say that when players reached Bakshi Stadium yesterday, no organiser was present. Later, it was discovered that the organisers had quietly left the Valley during the night.

This created an embarrassing situation for the players. The issue was reportedly resolved with the hotel management after an English umpire associated with the league contacted the British Embassy.

Umpire Mellissa Juniper said the organisers had fled the hotel without paying bills. It was only after she raised the issue that players were allowed to leave the hotel on Sunday.

"We have come to an agreement with the hotel management to allow the players to return home with their families. Around 40 players are in the hotel, they have not been paid, and it is not fair for them to stay away from their families," said Umpire Mellissa Juniper.

She blamed the organisers for "not paying bills to the hotel, players, umpires, and everyone else."

The matches began on October 23 but witnessed very poor attendance, which even prompted organisers to slash ticket prices to just Rs 90. Yet there were no takers, and the stadium remained almost empty.

A local player participating in the league said the organisers were misled about hosting such a major event in Kashmir and didn't anticipate the poor attendance, which badly impacted revenues.

"They had made massive arrangements for the cricket league, but it failed because of very poor attendance," he said.

Besides Chris Gayle, Jesse Ryder and Thisara Perera were among those participating in the tournament.

Ahead of the tournament, the J&K administration had also reviewed preparations for the first edition of the T20 matches. In a statement, the administration had said that around 30,000 spectators were expected at Bakshi Stadium to witness the matches.

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