Who ran the fake cricket league: The men behind the IHPL fraud in Kashmir

November 3, 2025 by News Desk

Firdous Qadri

What was billed as a fortnight of high-octane cricket meant to showcase a new Kashmir, fresh crowds at Bakshi Stadium, international stars, government officials on the dais, ended as a nightmare for players, hotel staff and local vendors. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), which began on October 25, collapsed in less than ten days after organisers vanished, matches were cancelled and nearly 70 players and match officials were left scrambling over unpaid bills.

The company behind the league, the Mohali-linked Yuva Society, fronted publicly by chairman Parminder Singh and president Ashu (Ashudani) Dani, now faces allegations of fraud, abandoned contracts and a cash crunch that has damaged dozens of livelihoods.

Only days before the opening, Srinagar’s divisional administration publicly embraced the tournament. On October 22, the Divisional Commissioner’s office chaired a review meeting to mobilise departments, police, health, power and Jal Shakti, to ensure the “mega sports event” ran smoothly and drew the tens of thousands that organisers promised. The meeting and subsequent promotion gave the fledgling league an air of official legitimacy that helped it attract players, hotels and vendors.

The IHPL’s own promotional material named figures from the Yuva Society as the organising body, placing Parminder Singh in the centre as the league’s chairman and Ashu/Ashudani (described in some materials as a former player) as president. Yuva Society’s online pages explicitly listed the IHPL among its initiatives and named Singh and others as office-bearers.

Players and umpires told reporters they had not received agreed payments; vendors and service staff complained their bills were unpaid; and hotels that had provided accommodation demanded settlement. On November 1 and 2 players refused to take the field and several matches were cancelled. Hotel managers say organisers stopped answering calls and, in some reports, left Srinagar overnight — a sequence of events that culminated in tense negotiations between hotel management, local police and the stranded players.

Mel (Melissa) Juniper, an England and Wales Cricket Board coach who was working as an umpire at the tournament, described the scene from inside one of the hotels: “No one’s been paid — not players, not umpires,” Juniper told reporters. According to multiple local outlets, hotels were instructed to withhold departure until bills were cleared; eventually, after media attention and police involvement, most players were allowed to leave.

Who ran the league?

The fraud behind the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) came into being through a combination of official endorsement, ambitious claim-making, and weak oversight. The league was organised by the regional youth NGO Yuva Society, based in Mohali, and promoted as a major T20 franchise-style tournament in Kashmir. Government officials welcomed the event, logistics were mobilised, and publicity created the impression of a large-scale professional league.

However, when payments to players, hotels, and vendors stalled and organisers vanished, the façade collapsed. What enabled the fraud was not necessarily just the promoters’ failure, but the local administration’s lack of robust due diligence: licences, financial guarantees, or institutional backing from recognised cricket governance bodies were seemingly not verified, yet the league was allowed to proceed.

In short: big promises, public endorsement, little accountability.

Yuva Society (Mohali)

Founded in 2011, this non-governmental organisation claims to empower young athletes through sporting programmes, mentorship, and competitive exposure. The society has organised several small cricket events in Punjab and the UAE under names like “Rutba Punjab” and “Global T20 Battle.” It was listed as the primary organiser of IHPL in Kashmir.

Parminder Singh

Parminder Singh is identified as the chairman of Yuva Society. He is described in early press coverage as the “visionary” behind the IHPL concept, aimed at giving Kashmiri youth international exposure. His past includes sports coordination work and youth-focused charity projects, but little verifiable record exists of large-scale sports management.

Ashu Dani (also spelt Ashudani)

A former cricketer and league president of IHPL, Dani was often quoted in media promotions announcing the league’s “historic debut” in Kashmir. His social media and promotional materials positioned him as a key face of the tournament, though his cricketing background remains unverified

Tej Gobind Singh

Listed as joint secretary of Yuva Society and one of the organisers of IHPL. His previous experience appears to be administrative, mainly connected with local sports clubs in Punjab. He was also reportedly in charge of coordination between Yuva Society and team franchise owners.

Munish Soni

Described as “Overseas Director and Coordinator” of Yuva Society, as well as a team owner in IHPL. Soni’s role was reportedly to handle international player recruitment and logistics. He has been linked with small-scale cricket promotion efforts in Dubai and Sharjah, though none officially recognised by the ICC or BCCI.

Saurav Gulati

Reported to be a board member of Yuva Society, Gulati was associated with the league’s management wing. His exact role remains unclear, but his name appears in early media briefings as part of the organising committee.

Manpreet Singh

Another member of the Yuva Society’s executive board. He was reportedly part of the logistics and publicity team managing ground arrangements at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.

Randeep Singh Baidwan

Named as part of Yuva Society’s organising board. Baidwan’s background appears rooted in youth sports promotion in Punjab, though he has no visible record in large-scale cricket event management.