Srinagar hotelier files complaint over IHPL’s Rs 51 lakh unpaid dues

A Kashmiri hotelier whose property hosted participants of the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) — a private cricket tournament that ended in chaos last week — has claimed that organisers still owe him Rs 51 lakh in unpaid dues.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police earlier this week registered a case after the league, which featured international cricketers including Chris Gayle, collapsed amid allegations of mismanagement and non-payment of dues to players, officials and service providers.

Prominent businessman and hotelier Mushtaq Chaya, owner of the Radisson Collection Hotel Srinagar, said on Wednesday that the organisers have failed to clear outstanding payments of Rs 51 lakh for accommodation and related services.

He said the hotel management has approached the police, and legal proceedings have been initiated. “The police are investigating the matter. They have informed us they are in touch with the organisers. The organisers have promised to clear the dues, but we are still waiting,” Chaya stated.

“Initially, we thought a positive event was coming to Kashmir — one that would promote sports and tourism by bringing star cricketers to the Valley. But unfortunately, the organisers ruined their own credibility and left without paying vendors, hoteliers and others,” Chaya told reporters.

The Indian Heaven Premier League began on October 25 at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, and featured eight teams. It was inaugurated by Sports Minister Satish Sharma and organised by a group called the Yuva Society, reportedly based in Mohali, Punjab.

The event, which was scheduled to conclude on November 8, ended abruptly on Sunday after players refused to take the field over unpaid fees and allegations of poor management.

Trouble escalated when players and officials were informed by hotel staff that the organisers had allegedly fled without settling their bills. Staff members said repeated calls to the organisers went unanswered and their phones were switched off.