Even before the dust has fully settled on the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), familiar concerns over unpaid player wages have resurfaced. Although less than a week has passed since the tournament concluded, several franchises have been accused of delaying payments.
The BPL Governing Council has already issued formal letters to all franchises, instructing them to clear outstanding dues. A letter sent on 27 January gave teams a final 15-day deadline to complete payments, a BPL official confirmed.
Payment issues drew little public attention during the tournament itself, largely because more pressing matters dominated discussion including uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup and players boycotting a day’s matches in protest against calls for a director’s resignation. The season had also begun amid administrative turmoil, with the owners of Chattogram Royals withdrawing on the eve of the competition, forcing the board to assume responsibility for the franchise.
Dhaka Capitals had paid 25 percent of players’ dues during the tournament and later released a small additional amount, but a significant portion remains outstanding. The franchise has promised to clear all remaining payments within the week.
In contrast, champions Rajshahi Warriors have settled all dues in full, according to both the BCB and players. Rangpur Riders have also been praised for consistent payments. A cricketer from Sylhet said he had received half of his remuneration, while the BCB has taken responsibility for settling payments owed to players from Chattogram Royals.
BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu acknowledged the complications and warned that the board would take a firm stance if franchises fail to comply. “Altogether, Noakhali’s outstanding amount is around Tk 1.45 crore. We have Tk 2 crore deposited with us. Dhaka have a bank guarantee of Tk 5 crore. Even if cheques bounce, we have sufficient funds secured to ensure payments.”
He added: “We issued the letter on the 27th. All franchises must complete payments within 15 days and submit a full list to us. We will verify the information by directly contacting everyone involved, including local and overseas players.”
Speaking separately to reporters on 30 January, Mithu said the board had not yet received confirmation of unresolved payments but had safeguards in place. “From the beginning, a financial security amount of Tk 10 crore in bank guarantees has been deposited. We have instructed that all payments be completed by 15 February. If any dues remain, they will be paid from the guarantees.”
On Noakhali Express, he said: “On paper, around Tk 1 crore remains outstanding, while we have Tk 2 crore in pay orders. We will now contact the overseas players. If payments are completed earlier, we will call in the owner and remaining players and return the remaining amount in front of them.”
Mithu also addressed reports surrounding Mohammad Amir, who left Sylhet Titans mid-season amid claims of unpaid dues. “Let him show the contract, how much he has received. As far as we know, Sylhet have paid everyone except Amir. We will speak to him once we receive the list. There is a Tk 5 crore cheque and a Tk 5 crore bank guarantee in place.”
Despite the controversy, Mithu said he was confident the matter would not drag on. “I am not too worried. There is time. If Noakhali clear all dues within the next 15 days, we will return their money.”
He also confirmed progress on a revised revenue-sharing model. “This time, ground rights, TV rights and ticket revenue will be combined. After expenses, 30 percent of the remaining amount will be distributed. The process has started.”
