Players Left Stranded in Hotel
A major cricket event in Srinagar has turned chaotic after its organisers reportedly disappeared, leaving players and staff without payment or support. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), launched with much fanfare and international stars like Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, and Thisara Perera, is now under fire for poor management and unpaid dues.
Tournament Turns Into a Mess
The league was meant to boost local cricket and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, but the situation took a shocking turn when matches were suddenly halted. Around 40 cricketers, including several from overseas, were left stranded in a Srinagar hotel after organisers vanished without clearing bills or travel arrangements.
Umpire Reveals the Situation
English umpire Mellissa Juniper, who was part of the event, told reporters that organisers had “fled from the hotel” and failed to pay anyone. “They have not paid the hotel, the players, or the umpires,” she said. “We’ve managed to make an agreement with the hotel so that players can finally go home. It’s not fair to keep them here away from their families.”
Hotels and Players Left Unpaid
Hotel staff confirmed that the organisers had booked nearly 150 rooms for about ten days, promising a “grand cricket event.” However, they reportedly left without clearing dues once attendance dropped and sponsors pulled out. Some top players, including Chris Gayle, had already left Srinagar after noticing signs of disorganisation.
Dream Project Ends in Disappointment
The IHPL was announced on September 18 and had generated excitement in the region. Former India cricketer Surinder Khanna, who mentored one of the teams, had called it a “golden opportunity for Kashmir’s youth” and hoped the tournament would help “discover the next Umran Malik or Parvez Rasool.”
But as the event progressed, crowd turnout fell, ticket prices were reduced, and sponsors began to distance themselves. The final blow came when the organisers disappeared, leaving hotels, players, and staff unpaid.
Uncertain Future for Local Cricket
For the local cricket community, what began as a dream project to showcase Kashmir’s talent has ended in disappointment and confusion. Authorities are now being urged to look into the matter and ensure that such incidents don’t happen again in future tournaments.
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