The much-hyped Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), promoted as a major cricket event to discover new talent from Kashmir, has shockingly turned out to be a Fake Cricket League . Organised by Mohali-based Yuva Society, the event left several international cricket stars — including Chris Gayle — stranded in a hotel due to non-payment of dues, exposing one of the biggest sports scams in the Valley.
IHPL 2025: From Grand Launch to Sudden Collapse
Launched amid glamour and excitement in late October 2025, the IHPL in Kashmir promised to bring international cricket back to the region. Billboards across Srinagar featured world-famous cricketers such as Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Jesse Ryder, and Shakib Al Hasan, creating immense buzz among cricket fans.
The matches were played at Bakshi Stadium, with loud music, commentary, and enthusiastic participation. The league was scheduled to continue until November 8, with eight teams representing different regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Players Refused to Play Over Unpaid Dues
However, the excitement was short-lived. The Indian Heaven Premier League came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, when players refused to take the field due to unpaid salaries. Reports revealed that the organisers had disappeared, leaving behind unpaid bills at the hotel where players and officials were staying.
The hotel management allegedly restricted players from checking out until the dues were cleared. It was during this chaos that the truth of the IHPL scam surfaced.
Umpire Exposes the IHPL Fraud
English umpire Melissa Juniper, who officiated in the event, confirmed the non-payment allegations.
“We have not received any payment,” she stated, adding that the organisers were missing and hotel staff informed them about their disappearance.
Local police reportedly visited the hotel, but no official statement has been released regarding legal action or arrests.
Cricket icon Chris Gayle, who was part of last year’s Legends League Cricket in Kashmir, found himself again in the valley — this time for all the wrong reasons. Along with Gayle, several other retired international cricketers were part of the IHPL lineup.
The league, however, failed to attract audiences, even after heavy promotions and discounted ticket offers. The organisers even collaborated with local social media influencer Umar Zargar to boost visibility, but the attempt fell flat.
The IHPL featured eight franchise teams representing various regions:
- Srinagar Sultans
- Jammu Lions
- Ladakh Heroes
- Pulwama Titans
- Uri Panthers
- Gulmarg Royals
- Patnitop Warriors
- Kishtwar Giants
Each team was promised a former international player, creating high expectations among cricket enthusiasts. However, the poor crowd turnout and mismanagement exposed the event’s weak foundation.
The event was hosted at Bakshi Stadium, owned by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. Sources confirm that Yuva Society paid the stadium rent upfront, but questions are now being raised about how an unverified organisation with no prior sports management experience received permission to host such a large-scale event.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Sports Council, clarified:
“The organisers approached us for the venue and paid the required fees. I have no direct association with the IHPL and only attended the inaugural ceremony as an invitee.”
Yuva Society Faces Serious Allegations
The Mohali-based Yuva Society, chaired by Parminder Singh, is at the centre of the controversy. Singh is believed to have been inspired by the success of last year’s Legends League Cricket to replicate a similar event in Kashmir.
The IHPL website reportedly used unauthorized photos of former cricketers Surendra Khanna and Ashu Dani, misleading the public into believing they were associated with the league.
The IHPL scam in Kashmir has triggered public outrage, with fans and players demanding accountability. Many are questioning the absence of regulatory oversight in approving private sports leagues.
As of now, there is no official confirmation of arrests or refunds, and several international players are still awaiting their dues.
This controversy has cast a shadow on Kashmir’s growing sports culture. The region, which has recently hosted multiple successful cricket and football tournaments, now faces embarrassment over the fraudulent league.
Experts say that such incidents could discourage international participation and delay future sporting investments in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Heaven Premier League scam stands as a cautionary tale for both organisers and authorities. The misuse of cricket’s popularity and the involvement of international stars make it one of the most high-profile sports frauds in recent times.
Authorities must now ensure strict verification of organisers before granting permissions to avoid further damage to Kashmir’s sporting reputation.
