The highly anticipated return of international cricket to Srinagar has ended in controversy and financial disarray, with the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) leaving a trail of unpaid hotel bills and frustrated players in its wake.
Luxury Accommodation, Empty Promises
Multiple hotels in the summer capital are reporting significant outstanding payments from tournament organizers, with some establishments claiming bills running into lakhs of rupees remain unsettled. The situation has left hotel managers scrambling and questioning the financial management of the event that promised to put Kashmir back on the cricketing map.
International Stars Caught in the Crossfire
The tournament, which featured several international cricketers from test-playing nations, has left players in uncomfortable positions. Sources reveal that some overseas professionals have yet to receive their full participation fees, while others faced embarrassing situations at their accommodations due to the payment disputes.
"We were promised world-class organization, but what we got was constant uncertainty about our stay and payments," one international player told our sources, requesting anonymity.
Organizational Breakdown Exposed
Despite the presence of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) as a supporting body, the tournament organization appears to have completely unraveled during the final stages. Key issues that emerged include:
- Inadequate financial planning and budget management
- Poor communication with service providers
- Lack of transparency regarding player compensation
- Failure to establish proper escrow arrangements
Hotel Industry Bears the Brunt
Local hoteliers who had enthusiastically supported the event now find themselves counting significant losses. "We were proud to host international cricketers in our valley, but the financial fallout is devastating," shared one hotel owner who preferred not to be named.
Future of Cricket in Kashmir at Stake
This embarrassing episode raises serious questions about the viability of hosting such tournaments in the region. The chaos threatens to undermine future sporting events in Kashmir and could deter international players from participating in similar competitions.
Stakeholders are now calling for thorough investigations and proper accountability measures to ensure that such situations don't repeat, potentially damaging Kashmir's growing reputation as a sporting destination.
