SRINAGAR, November 4, 2025 : A private cricket tournament in Srinagar — the Indian Heaven Premier League — ended in controversy after organisers allegedly fled the city without clearing payments to players, officials, and hotels.
The league, which began on October 25 at Bakshi Stadium, featured eight teams and was inaugurated by Sports Minister Satish Sharma. Organised by a Punjab-based group, Yuva Society, the event promised high-profile participation, including international cricketers like Chris Gayle, but collapsed amid allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Police have registered a case at Raj Bagh Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and breach of trust.
“We have filed a case and initiated investigation,” a senior police officer said.
According to reports, players refused to play after hotel staff revealed unpaid bills, while repeated calls to the organisers went unanswered.
“The organisers have disappeared. No one has been paid — not players, not officials, not hotels,” said Melissa Juniper, an umpire from England.
The J&K Sports Council clarified that it had “no direct involvement”, stating that Bakshi Stadium was merely rented for use.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur termed the incident a “sports scam”, questioning how the event was allowed at a government facility without proper approval.
Sources said the organisers suffered heavy financial losses due to low attendance and poor sponsorship, leading to their abrupt exit. Following diplomatic outreach from a foreign embassy in Delhi, authorities have stepped in to probe the scandal.
