Srinagar, Nov 3: What was promoted as Kashmir’s biggest-ever private cricket tournament, the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), has collapsed amid mounting allegations of fraud and mismanagement, leaving fans, players, and hotel staff in shock and anger.
The much-hyped league, which began at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar with promises of international cricket stars and high-end entertainment, turned chaotic after the organizers abruptly called off the remaining matches and disappeared without clearing their dues.
Hundreds of sports lovers, who had bought tickets worth Rs 1,000 each to watch the matches, returned home disappointed. Many said they had traveled from far-off areas to witness the event and were left standing outside the stadium gates when the league suddenly shut down.
“We waited for hours, but there was no announcement, no organizers, and no match. Even the ticket counters were closed,” said Bilal Ahmad, a cricket enthusiast from Budgam. “We paid a thousand rupees each for our tickets, and no one is talking about refunds. It feels like we have been cheated.”
Like Bilal, hundreds of sports lovers who had purchased tickets for Rs 1000 each have been talking about a refund, but they don’t know whom to approach.
The IHPL had been launched with great fanfare, branding itself as a “world-class cricket festival” meant to boost local talent and tourism in the Valley. The inclusion of big international names, including Chris Gayle, had lent credibility to the event. However, soon after the opening matches, communication from the organizers ceased, and the official social media pages went inactive. [KNT]
