Srinagar, Oct 29: The Indian Heaven Premier League T20 (IHPL T20), currently underway at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, has found itself at the center of a major controversy after allegations of mismanagement, non-payment, and poor treatment of local cricketers surfaced.
The tournament, organized by the Yuva Society, features several retired international players such as Chris Gayle, Thisara Perera, Jesse Ryder, Manpreet Gony, Iqbal Abdullah, and Parvez Rasool, alongside a majority of local cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir.
Despite its star-studded lineup, the event has struggled to draw crowds and has been marred by controversy — with reports of local players being kicked out of their hotel accommodations at Radisson Collection, Srinagar.
Adil Reshi Speaks Out Against “Unprofessional” Management
Former Ranji Trophy opener Adil Reshi has publicly accused the IHPL organizers of unprofessional conduct, alleging that all local players were told to vacate their rooms or be “forcefully removed.”
“I got a call from the organizers early in the morning asking me to vacate my hotel room. I had already checked out by then, but I told them to verify their facts before making such calls,” Reshi told JK Newspoint.
He further revealed that no formal contracts have been signed between the organizers and the players, and that no payments have been made so far.
“We haven’t signed any contracts or received a single penny,” Adil alleged. “The authorities must ensure local players are paid before the league ends. Once it’s over, nobody will take responsibility.”
Confusing Response from League Chairman
Following the controversy, IHPL Chairman Parminder offered a puzzling explanation in a local Facebook interview, claiming that the players themselves wanted to leave.
“They told us they play daily matches and earn money. Here, they were suffering losses, so they asked to be relieved,” Parminder said. “They mentally disturbed us by insisting they wanted to go home.”
His statement, however, only fueled more confusion and criticism from players and fans.
More Allegations Surface: Payment Issues for International Players Too
According to Reshi, even some international players expressed dissatisfaction over unpaid dues.
He claimed that Thisara Perera, who featured in his second match of the tournament, reportedly told organizers to clear his payments before continuing.
Reshi further alleged that other overseas cricketers declined to participate after not receiving the promised remuneration.
Regulatory Oversight Questioned
Adding to the concerns, Adil Reshi highlighted the lack of official oversight, noting that the IHPL T20 does not fall under the BCCI or any recognized cricket governing body.
He urged authorities to intervene and ensure financial transparency and protection for local players, warning that post-league settlements could leave cricketers unpaid.
Low Attendance and Damaged Reputation
The IHPL T20, which aimed to bring cricketing glamour to Kashmir, is now battling low crowd turnout and growing criticism — especially when compared to the previous season’s Legends League T20 and this season’s Red Premier League, both of which saw stronger organization and fan engagement at the same venue.
As the controversy deepens, questions remain about the credibility, financial management, and accountability of the event’s organizers — and whether the local players who form the backbone of the league will receive their due recognition and payment.