The inaugural Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) T20 cricket tournament is scheduled to commence on October 25 at the Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar. The tournament will feature a combination of international, national, and local players competing across eight teams over two weeks.
The high-profile event is expected to draw large crowds, with spectators from across Jammu and Kashmir anticipated to attend matches. Organisers hope the IHPL will promote the region as an emerging cricketing destination.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review preparations and logistics for the smooth conduct of the tournament. The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments to assess the readiness of the venue and arrangements for players and spectators.
Officials informed that between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators are expected to attend matches daily. To manage the large turnout, the Divisional Commissioner directed organisers to prioritize online ticket booking.
Mr. Garg instructed police and security officials to deploy sufficient personnel for organized crowd control. He also directed the District Magistrate Srinagar to depute magistrates for on-ground coordination. Strict adherence to timelines for spectator entry and match conclusion was emphasized.
Further, organizers were instructed to coordinate with security agencies regarding the arrival, accommodation, and movement of players. They were also asked to seek formal permission for drone coverage and clearly communicate the list of permitted food items inside the venue.
Departments of Jal Shakti and Power Development (PDD) were directed to ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply. The Health Department was tasked with deploying fully equipped ambulances and medical staff on rotation during matches.
The Divisional Commissioner also instructed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Sports Council, and event organizers to maintain continuous cleanliness drives in and around the stadium. Fire tenders will be stationed near the venue, and designated parking areas will be identified to manage traffic flow efficiently.
The meeting saw the participation of senior officials from the Srinagar administration, Sports Council, SMC, Traffic Police, Health, Fire Services, and other concerned departments, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The Chenab Times News Desk