ibn sultan
Srinagar, November 3: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mohd Rafique Rather has expressed serious concern and deep anguish over the shocking reports of fraud and deceit by the organisers of the so-called Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), who allegedly duped several young players and brought disrepute to Kashmir’s sporting community.
In a statement issued today, Mohd Rafique Rather said that the deception by the IHPL organisers has not only tarnished the image of Kashmir but also shattered the faith of young aspiring players who were promised fair opportunities and legitimate payments. He said it is heartbreaking to see how talented youth, who put in their energy and trust, have been exploited and humiliated.
Mr. Rather expressed shock and displeasure over reports that players were abandoned in a local hotel without their payments being cleared, terming it a disgraceful act that reflects gross mismanagement and unethical conduct. It was disgusting to see hundreds of people associated with the event — including security personnel, ground staff, catering workers, commentators, drumbeaters, and labourers — being left unpaid, as reported by several news portals. He urged the administration to take swift and stern action against the organisers and anyone locally associated with the scandal.
The tournament was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, and Sports Minister Satish Sharma also visited the stadium and interacted with players and organisers. Rather questioned how state security was set up for the event and how the league was allowed to take place without proper verification of the organisers’ credentials. He said the present government should at least take responsibility for this major scam, which otherwise puts everything at the doorstep of the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Rafique Rather further said that the Sports Minister must resign on moral grounds for allowing such a big scam to occur under his nose.
Calling for an in-depth investigation to identify local links involved in the deceit, Rafique Rather said it is imperative to unearth the entire network behind this fraudulent event so that those responsible are brought to book. Such incidents not only demoralize our youth but also defame Kashmir at the national level.
He further demanded scrutiny of all unregistered local and non-local sports leagues and events operating in Jammu and Kashmir and called for a comprehensive audit of their financial accounts and functioning. He said the mushrooming of such unregulated leagues must be checked immediately before more damage is done to the credibility of our sports ecosystem.
Mr. Rather also held the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council partly accountable, stating that it cannot escape responsibility for allowing such unverified events to take place. He said the Sports Council must ensure that only recognised and transparent sporting events are permitted. Its failure to monitor these activities raises serious questions about oversight and responsibility.
Reiterating PDP’s commitment to protecting youth interests, Rafique Rather said the young generation deserves dignity, transparency, and trust in every sphere, be it sports, education, or employment. Those exploiting their dreams for personal or financial gain must face strict legal action.
He urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately order a high-level probe into the IHPL and punish those responsible for this fraud.
