Durbar Rajshahi’s local players have taken a bold step in the ongoing 2025 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) by refusing to attend training on Monday in Chattogram. Their protest stems from prolonged non-payment of wages, with mounting frustration directed toward team owner Shafique Rahman, who has allegedly delayed payments multiple times.
While the franchise attempted to downplay the incident by announcing that the team had taken a “rest day,” sources confirmed that the players’ decision was a deliberate act of protest. This move reflects the growing discontent among the players, who have threatened to boycott future matches unless their financial concerns are resolved.
Financial Mismanagement Comes to Light
The payment crisis first surfaced earlier in January when reports indicated that daily allowances for Rajshahi’s local players had been irregular since January 5. By January 9, the situation worsened as cheques issued to some players reportedly bounced. Despite repeated assurances from Rahman, who promised payments on January 14, the funds have yet to be disbursed.
The BPL governing council mandates that franchises must adhere to a structured payment schedule, requiring teams to pay players 50% of their fees before the tournament, 25% during the competition, and the remaining 25% upon its conclusion. However, Rajshahi has failed to meet these obligations, leaving local players without their initial installment. Meanwhile, overseas players and coaching staff have received 25% of their payments, further aggravating tensions within the team.
BCB’s Intervention Fails to Resolve Deadlock
In response to the escalating crisis, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stepped in on Monday. President Faruque Ahmed held emergency discussions with team owner Shafique Rahman, captain Anamul Haque, and several players to mediate the issue.
Speaking to the media, board director Manjur Alam expressed cautious optimism, stating, “The president spoke directly to the team owners, captain, and players. Negotiations are in process, and we hope to come to a solution tomorrow. The most positive outcome so far is that the players have agreed to attend practice.”
However, by Monday evening, no agreement had been reached. Players have reportedly warned that they will not participate in their next match against Sylhet Strikers on January 17 unless their payments are settled.
Broader Financial Issues Within the BPL
The payment crisis at Rajshahi highlights broader financial concerns plaguing the BPL. To ensure financial accountability, the governing council had previously instructed franchises to submit a bank guarantee of BDT 8 crore (approximately USD 657,000). However, after lobbying from franchise owners, this amount was reduced to BDT 3 crore (USD 246,000). Despite this concession, Fortune Barishal remains the only team to have complied.
The financial instability of certain franchises threatens to tarnish the league’s reputation, both domestically and internationally. As Rajshahi’s captain Anamul Haque remarked earlier in the tournament, “The BPL has just started, so we don’t want to raise a negative image of the tournament. Everyone around the world is keeping an eye on BPL.” His remarks underscore the importance of maintaining credibility in a league striving to attract global attention.
Impact on Team Morale and League Reputation
The crisis has left the Rajshahi camp in turmoil. Players have reportedly had to cover their own expenses for several days, deepening their frustration. While most have refrained from speaking publicly, the protest sends a clear message about the need for financial transparency and accountability in professional cricket.
The implications extend beyond Rajshahi. If unresolved, the situation could set a troubling precedent for other franchises, undermining player confidence and damaging the league’s image.
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The Path Forward
The ongoing payment dispute serves as a wake-up call for the BPL. To restore trust among players and fans, the league must enforce stricter financial regulations and hold franchises accountable for non-compliance. Establishing more robust oversight mechanisms, such as mandatory escrow accounts for player payments, could help prevent similar crises in the future.
As Durbar Rajshahi’s players continue to press for their rightful earnings, the BPL’s ability to navigate this crisis will play a crucial role in shaping its reputation as a competitive and credible cricket league.
