IHPL T20 league collapses overnight in Srinagar; Chris Gayle, Thisara Perera leftThe Indian Heaven Premier League, a private T20 cricket tournament in Jammu and Kashmir, collapsed overnight after its organisers allegedly fled Srinagar without paying players, umpires, or hotels, officials and participants said Sunday.
Former West Indies star Chris Gayle, Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera, and New Zealand’s Jesse Ryder were among several foreign players who took part before the event abruptly shut down.
The league, run by the non-profit Yuva Society in collaboration with the J&K Cricket Association, had promised to promote youth cricket and tourism in Kashmir. But by Sunday, the Bakshi Stadium was deserted and about 40 players remained stuck in hotels awaiting payments.
“Organisers have fled from the hotel,” said English umpire Mellissa Juniper, adding that participants were forced to negotiate with hotel management to return home.
Hotel officials said the organisers booked about 150 rooms, promising a “grand event” featuring international stars, but disappeared without settling bills. Some players, including Gayle, reportedly left before the collapse.
Former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool said foreign embassies were contacted after players were briefly prevented from checking out. Local cricketers said no formal contracts were signed and that uniforms were purchased locally when sponsorships failed.
The J&K Sports Council confirmed the organisers had obtained police clearance and paid venue fees, saying the government had “no role” in the league’s management.
The IHPL, announced September 18 and scheduled for October 23–November 7, was meant to feature eight teams combining domestic and international players. Poor turnout and financial trouble reportedly led to its sudden collapse.
Repeated attempts to reach IHPL officials and mentors went unanswered. (Newswire)