✒️:. Bhat Sehran
Srinagar was filled with excitement when the Indian Heaven Premier League began at the famous Bakshi Stadium. The air was full of hope and joy as cricket lovers gathered to watch local and international players share the same ground. For a moment, Kashmir looked like it was entering a new era of sports and opportunity. The presence of world-renowned players like Chris Gayle brought a sense of pride and belonging to the people who have long dreamed of seeing their homeland host such grand events.
The tournament promised to change the image of Kashmir and open doors for its youth. Many young players believed that the league would offer them a platform to prove their talent to the world. The local shops decorated their fronts, banners were raised, and social media overflowed with praise. Everyone wanted to believe that this event would bring something good, something lasting, and something that would make Kashmir shine once again.
But within days, the dream turned into a nightmare. The organisers of the league reportedly disappeared overnight, leaving unpaid hotel bills and stranded players behind. What was meant to be a celebration of sports ended in confusion, disappointment, and anger. Hotels in Srinagar claimed they were owed large sums of money. Some staff members said the organisers locked their rooms and fled without clearing payments. Players and umpires spoke of being abandoned without salaries or proper arrangements. For many of them, it was their first experience in a major tournament, and it ended in humiliation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council stated that it had only provided the stadium and had no role in the financial management of the league. That explanation, however, did not ease the frustration of those affected. Local businesses that provided food, transport, and equipment said they lost lakhs of rupees. For them, it was not just about money but about trust. They had believed in a promise that was broken in front of the whole world.
The Indian Heaven Premier League was not just a sporting event. It was a symbol of hope for a region trying to rebuild itself after years of challenges. The failure of the league has damaged the image of Kashmir as a potential hub for sports and tourism. More importantly, it has shaken the faith of young players who looked to such events for inspiration. A young cricketer from Baramulla said with sadness that they dreamed of playing under bright lights but ended up being part of what people now call a scam.
The entire episode reveals the deep flaws in how private events are organised and supervised in Jammu and Kashmir. There seems to be little accountability or oversight when it comes to approving large projects that promise glamour and growth. Many organisers operate without formal contracts or verified financial backing. This leaves participants vulnerable and the region open to embarrassment. The gap between what is promised and what actually happens reflects the larger difference between imagination and reality that Kashmir often faces.
Yet, this incident should not only be seen as a failure but also as a lesson. It shows that passion alone is not enough to build a future. There must be proper planning, transparency, and regulation. If Kashmir wants to host more sporting events, the authorities and organisers must work together to create systems that protect players, sponsors, and service providers. Every event should be built on honesty, professionalism, and accountability so that such episodes are never repeated.
The people of Kashmir have endured many disappointments, but they have never stopped believing in the power of renewal. The collapse of the Indian Heaven Premier League is painful, but it also offers a chance to correct mistakes. It reminds us that true progress does not come from promises or headlines but from responsibility and integrity. The youth of Kashmir deserve real opportunities, not illusions. They deserve platforms where their talent is respected and their trust is not betrayed.
The lights may have gone out at Bakshi Stadium, but the spirit of the people remains bright. The dream of a vibrant, confident, and successful Kashmir must continue. Every setback can become a stepping stone if we are willing to face the truth and learn from it. Ground reality is often harsh, but it is the only foundation on which genuine hope can stand.
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