| JKCA disowns cancelled IHPL tournament, calls it ‘illegal event’ | | |  Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 4: In the aftermath of chaos and controversy that forced the abrupt cancellation of the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) in Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has categorically distanced itself from the tournament, asserting that the event was organised without its knowledge, approval, or affiliation.
“We have nothing to do with this event. Far from collaborating with such an illegal tournament, we had actually cautioned against organising such activities,” said Brig (Retd) Anil Gupta, Member (Administration), JKCA. “Such unauthorised and illegal cricketing events should be strongly discouraged,” he added.
In an official statement, Brig Gupta clarified that the organisers of the privately-run league never sought any form of approval or association from the JKCA, nor did the Association provide consent, support, or guidance for any part of the event.
“For the record, the organisers neither approached the JKCA nor obtained any sanction. The Association was in no manner connected—directly or indirectly—with the planning, organisation, or execution of the so-called IHPL tournament,” the statement read.
The JKCA reiterated that, as a matter of policy, it does not endorse or associate with privately organised cricket leagues or tournaments that lack the sanction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
It also clarified that the matches of the controversial tournament were reportedly held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, a facility owned and administered by the J&K Sports Council, which does not fall under the jurisdiction or management of the JKCA.
Reaffirming its position, the Association emphasised its commitment to transparency, fair play, and strict adherence to BCCI’s regulations governing cricket administration and tournaments in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement, unpaid dues, and irregularities linked to the ill-fated IHPL.
According to official sources, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under relevant sections of law, and an inquiry is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the abrupt collapse of the high-profile tournament.
The event, which had drawn local, national, and even a few international players, spiralled into disarray after several participants reportedly boycotted matches over non-payment of promised remuneration. The organisers, citing “technical issues,” allegedly instructed some players not to report to the ground, while others claimed they were asked to vacate their hotel accommodations in Srinagar.
Many players who had travelled from outside Jammu and Kashmir said they were left stranded without proper communication or support from the organisers once the matches were called off.
“My match was scheduled for today, but when I called my manager, he told me not to come to the stadium due to some technical problems,” one affected player told reporters.
The controversy has sparked wider discussions about unauthorised sporting events in the region, with cricket authorities calling for stricter enforcement of BCCI regulations to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. |
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