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IHPL Crisis in Srinagar: Players Stranded as Organizers Flee Tournament

The Indian Heaven Premier League in Srinagar has descended into chaos with players refusing to play over unpaid dues. Organizers have reportedly fled the Valley, leaving many cricketers stranded at a local hotel. Matches scheduled at Bakshi Stadium were cancelled as players received instructions not to report due to "technical issues." The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has clarified they only provided the ground and have no involvement in the privately-run tournament.

Key Points: Srinagar Cricket Tournament IHPL Players Stranded Unpaid

  • Players boycotted matches over unpaid dues and contract irregularities
  • Organizers reportedly fled Srinagar leaving players stranded
  • International players have departed while local cricketers remain stuck
  • Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council denies involvement in private event
  • Catering staff and drivers also claim non-payment for services
  • Tournament not recognized by BCCI or Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association
2 min read

High profile T20 cricket tournament being played in J&K's Srinagar city runs into rough weather

Indian Heaven Premier League in disarray as players boycott over unpaid dues, organizers flee Srinagar leaving cricketers stranded at local hotel.

"My match was scheduled for today, and when I called my manager to ask about it, he told me not to come to the stadium as there were some technical problems. - Anonymous Player"

Srinagar, Nov 2

The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), a T20 cricket tournament being played in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city, featuring local, national & international players, has run into rough weather with some players being stranded at a local hotel and organisers reportedly fleeing the Valley.

Srinagar, Nov 2 (IANS) The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), a T20 cricket tournament being played in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city, featuring local, national & international players, has run into rough weather with some players being stranded at a local hotel and organisers reportedly fleeing the Valley. The high-profile cricket event, organised by private sponsors, has run into rough weather after several players reportedly boycotted matches over unpaid dues, leaving the event in disarray.

Reports today stated that the players, who were scheduled to play, claimed they were instructed “not to come to the stadium” due to “technical issues” that had led to the cancellation of the matches.

Earlier, a valley-based cricketer announced that he would not participate in the ongoing league, citing irregularities, lack of clarity on contract and payments.

Meanwhile, matches scheduled for Saturday and today at Bakshi Stadium were also cancelled after players declined to take to the field.

Officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, a government body, stated that the Council has no involvement in the league, as it is a privately run event.

Sports council officials stated that they had only provided the ground, for which charges were applied in accordance with the Council’s norms.

One player, whose match was scheduled for today, said he was told not to report to the ground due to “technical issues.” “My match was scheduled for today, and when I called my manager to ask about it, he told me not to come to the stadium as there were some technical problems."

Many international players have already left Srinagar, while many cricketers, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, remain lodged at a local Hotel.

People connected to catering, bus drivers, and others claim they, too, had not been paid.

They said they are also in confusion and fear they won’t get their money.

The league was promoted and amplified by a well-known Jammu and Kashmir cricketer. The IHPL is not recognised by the BCCI or the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Srinagar last year, I was excited about this tournament bringing international attention to the beautiful city. Such mismanagement hurts tourism and sports development in J&K.
P
Priya S
Feel so bad for the local players and support staff. Catering people, bus drivers - they all depend on this income. Organizers should be blacklisted from conducting any events in future.
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Arjun K
Why do players participate in unrecognized leagues? BCCI should create a proper system to verify tournament legitimacy. This "technical issues" excuse is just cover-up for financial fraud.
M
Michael C
While the organizers are clearly at fault, I think the J&K Sports Council could have done more due diligence before providing the stadium. They should have verified the organizers' credentials properly.
K
Kavya N
This is heartbreaking for Kashmiri cricket fans. We were so excited to see international players in our city. Now it's become another example of mismanagement. Hope authorities take strict action! 😔

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