Scheduled practice sessions for both Durbar Rajshahi and Chattogram Kings were disrupted yesterday in Chattogram amid growing concerns over unpaid salaries. The local team, Chattogram Kings, was supposed to train at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from 1 PM to 3 PM, while Rajshahi’s session was scheduled at MA Aziz Stadium from 10 AM to 12 PM. However, just before the scheduled time, Rajshahi’s practice was canceled, with the team citing rest for the players as the reason.
Later, it was revealed that Rajshahi’s cricketers had boycotted practice due to unpaid salaries. Despite the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) reaching its midway point, Rajshahi’s players have reportedly not received any payments yet. Similar complaints have emerged from Khulna Tigers and Chattogram Kings, although both franchises have provided assurances of resolving the issue.
Sources claim Rajshahi’s cricketers, who have already played six matches, are yet to receive a single penny of their salaries. Shockingly, their daily allowances (DA) for the past 10 days have also not been paid. While foreign players and coaching staff have reportedly received 25% of their dues, the local players remain uncompensated.
BPL’s payment policy mandates that franchises pay 50% of salaries before the tournament begins, an additional 25% during the tournament, and the remaining 25% after its conclusion. However, this guideline seems to have been largely ignored this year.
Rajshahi captain Anamul Haque had initially refrained from commenting on the issue during the tournament’s opening match, stating, “None of us have been paid yet. It’s only the beginning of the tournament, and we want to avoid raising questions or creating complications.” However, the players’ patience appears to have worn thin, as they have now decided to boycott practice and have even threatened to skip their next match against Sylhet Strikers if the matter remains unresolved.
Rajshahi’s media manager has stated that the payment issues are being handled by higher authorities, and he does not have further information.
Similar allegations have surfaced from players of Khulna and Chattogram. While Chattogram Kings skipped practice on the eve of their first home game, it remains unclear if this was related to unpaid salaries. Chattogram’s team manager, Mohammad Lablur Rahman, acknowledged the issue, stating, “Players have received different amounts of payments. While some have received partial payments, others haven’t, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction.”
The ongoing payment disputes threaten to overshadow the cricketing action in this year’s BPL, raising questions about the management and financial stability of the franchises.
