New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Surinder Khanna has refuted claims regarding his participation in the Indian Heaven Premier League, which recently faced cancellation after its organizers vanished without fulfilling hotel payment obligations or compensating players. He clarified that the league is entirely run by a non-profit group called YUVA Society.

The IHPL, inspired by the IPL and similar T20 tournaments in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, featured a mix of local, national, and international talent. However, it encountered significant issues, leaving some players stranded in a local hotel while the organizers fled the region without settling their debts.

"Media reports suggest that the Indian Heaven Premier League was halted by its owners and organizers for reasons undisclosed. In light of this, it is crucial to emphasize that Surinder Khanna has no connection to this league whatsoever," stated Khanna.

"As far as we know, the league is entirely managed by YUVA Society. Khanna is neither a member, caretaker, nor an office bearer of this organization and has no ties with it in any capacity.

"Surinder Khanna has had no association with the league—whether past, present, or future—and was only invited as a guest. He has never been involved in the planning, finances, administration, or management of the league in any way. Furthermore, Khanna had no financial stakes or benefits related to this league; he was merely a guest.

"All decisions concerning the league's formation, operations, and cancellation lie solely with YUVA Society and its coordinators," the statement elaborated.

The J&K administration and police had sanctioned the league. Numerous players, including former international cricketers, found themselves stuck in a hotel in Srinagar after the organizers of the Indian Heaven Premier League departed from Kashmir late Saturday without compensating the hotel or players.

Matches planned for Saturday and Sunday at Bakshi Stadium were also called off after players refused to participate. Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, a governmental entity, clarified that the Council is not involved with the league as it is privately managed.

"The league has had to conclude prematurely. This situation is not the fault of the players, hotel management, or staff, but entirely due to the league's issues. Bills remain unpaid, staff have not been compensated, and hotels have not received their dues. The hotel was instructed this morning to secure all doors and keep all players and staff inside at the league's directive. Regrettably, they had to comply with this order.

"The league's management has vanished and is unresponsive to any inquiries. We have reached an agreement with the owners to allow players to return home to their families, as it is unjust for them to be away for such an extended period without compensation," stated Umpire Mellissa Juniper in a press briefing.