The IHPL’s Empty Pledges
WS/VP DESK
SRINAGAR, Oct 30: The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), which promised to be a hope for local cricket, has instead become a story of betrayal and unprofessionalism, leaving players feeling used and discarded.
The dream shattered abruptly at a Srinagar hotel. Adil Reshi, a renowned Kashmiri cricketer, narrated a scene of chaos and humiliation. “We received a message on WhatsApp to check out of the hotel. It was shocking and sudden,” Reshi said. “Most players from different districts were forced to leave, while many of us waited outside, trying to understand this betrayal. But who cares? We were just forcefully evicted.”
This sudden expulsion stood in stark contrast to earlier assurances. “It was decided with the players earlier that we would be accommodated until the league concluded. Why were these promises broken so suddenly? Why were we treated like beggars?” he questions?
Reshi alleged a complete lack of professionalism, stating, “We have not even been informed about payment or seen any contract. We’ve been playing for free, with such disrespect. I’ve been left in a situation where I don’t even know what my mistake was.”
“Dignity is more important in any profession,” he stated. “When unprofessionalism is being sold in the name of professionalism, one must step aside. I don’t know about others, but I will not participate in the remaining matches of this league.”
He vowed to seek justice, adding, “We will see through the courts why the authorities of this Indian Heaven Premier League have been so harsh and why this betrayal happened.”
What began with enthusiasm has rapidly devolved into widespread dissatisfaction. “It was good to see how local cricketers were participating in the initial matches,” Reshi recalled. “However, with concerns rising inside the management, most players now feel deeply dissatisfied.”
The league, despite its heavy hype, has proven to be deeply unprofessional, with the reality on the ground failing to match the promises.
Sources close to the tournament confirmed to The Web Story/The Varmul Post about systemic collapse, revealing that the IHPL has been a “flop show” with concerns mounting on all sides. The financial turmoil appears to extend beyond local players. it is learnt that some international crickters have also not received their dues, pointing to serious internal management issues.
The sources further added that “so far, only fake promises have been made to the players, with hardly any formal contracts signed.”
Pertinently, a promotional video desperately selling match tickets has gone viral, speaking volumes about the league’s failure to attract an audience and cementing its reputation as a spectacular flop.
For the aspiring cricketers of Kashmir, the IHPL was supposed to be a heaven-sent opportunity. Instead, it has become a harsh lesson in broken dreams.
Officials from IHPL were not available for comment despite numerous attempts. However, The Web Story/The Varmul Post will present the organization’s perspective once it addresses all the allegations that have been leveled.
