Akshay Thakur - Monday, Nov 03, 2025Cricket league fraud: Srinagar police have filed an FIR following reports of irregularities and non-payments in the Indian Premier League (IHPL), which featured Chris Gayle in three matches.
Following reports of irregularities, match cancellations, and non-payments at the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), a private T20 cricket league in Srinagar, police have registered a case and launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that an FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the law and the investigation is ongoing. The league began on October 25 at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Several prominent players, including Chris Gayle and Praveen Kumar, participated in it.
Players and service providers associated with the league alleged that they did not receive promised payments and were prevented from entering the stadium due to "technical problems." Some also claimed they were asked to vacate their hotel rooms.
Officials said, "We have received several complaints and have initiated an investigation based on the complaints. However, it is premature to comment on the matter as this was not an official league, but a privately organized one."
The IHPL featured several local and international cricketers, but it was not recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), raising questions about its legitimacy.
Several prominent players were associated with the league, including former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle and former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar. Sri Lankan Thisara Perera, South African Richard Levi, and Pakistani-born Shoaib Mohammad also briefly participated in the league.
Chris Gayle played three matches, while Perera played only one. However, it cannot be said whether the organizers took Chris Gayle's money or whether he was paid in advance.
