Tamim Iqbal has proposed the introduction of a tripartite contract system as a long-term solution to the recurring payment disputes that have plagued the Dhaka Premier League, after Brothers Union’s players boycotted their match on Friday in protest at unpaid wages, triggering an automatic relegation under existing rules.
The BCB ad hoc committee chief, who is standing for election as the board’s permanent president, said he would bring all three parties together as an immediate priority, and hinted that the board may be prepared to act outside its own bylaws if necessary to protect the interests of Bangladesh cricket.
Brothers Union’s cricketers refused to take the field against Agrani Bank Cricket Club on Friday after repeated assurances over outstanding payments went unfulfilled. With the players absent, Agrani Bank were awarded the victory by walkover, and Brothers Union were automatically relegated from the Premier League in accordance with existing regulations.
Speaking at a BCB election candidate introduction event on Friday evening, Tamim outlined his immediate plan of action. “Just before this event started, I spoke with the officials of Brothers Union. After the incident happened, I also spoke with the cricketers,” he said. “I told them that we will try to bring all three parties together tomorrow, the cricket board, the club and the players, and if we can find a solution that way, that would be the best outcome.”
Tamim acknowledged the weight of the situation but remained cautious about rushing to judgement before all sides had been heard. “Everything needs to be looked at carefully. Given the position I am in, it would not be right to make any comment before speaking with everyone involved,” he said. “Once this programme is over, I will discuss with members of the ad hoc committee who are here, and if we can give them a time tomorrow, sit both parties down and resolve the matter, that is what we will try to do.”
He also left the door open for the board to take exceptional measures if the situation demanded it. “In some areas the board has the capacity, for the good of Bangladesh cricket, to take decisions that may go beyond the bylaws if the board agrees to it. At the end of the day, we all want cricket to be played.”
The cricketers’ association KOAB has already come out firmly on the side of the players, calling for stronger punishment for Brothers Union and demanding that club official Amin Khan be banned from all BCB activities. Khan has faced numerous allegations on previous occasions. Tamim declined to comment on Khan directly, reiterating that he would speak to all parties before drawing any conclusions.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Tamim set out a structural reform he believes could prevent similar disputes from recurring. The proposal centres on introducing a three-way contract between the BCB, clubs and players for the Premier League, which would give the board a formal role and lever of accountability in payment matters.
“If you remember, I said at a press conference that whenever this payment issue arises, it is not technically the board’s responsibility. Cricketers sign contracts with their clubs. But because these problems keep happening, they happened before and they are happening now, we need to think about whether this can be brought into a tripartite contract arrangement in the future,” he said.
“Every season there are complaints from one club or another. This has not just started today. It has been going on for 10, 15, 20 years. If we change this and introduce a tripartite contract, and you also know that the BCB gives clubs around 25 to 30 lakh taka in support, the board should have a voice when issues like this arise.”
Tamim was careful to frame the proposal as a conversation to be had rather than a decision already made. “I am not saying it will definitely happen. After speaking with everyone, I hope the next elected board will also look at whether a tripartite contract can be introduced for the Premier League. If it can, many of these problems will reduce significantly.”
Despite the turmoil, Tamim struck an optimistic note about the Premier League as a whole, pointing to an absorbing title race as evidence of what is at stake. “If you look at the league, it is going wonderfully. If Abahani win tomorrow and then win the next match too, we could even see an Abahani vs Mohammedan final. Something beautiful is happening. I hope we can resolve this problem and let that continue.”
