The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), a prominent cricket league known for showcasing both local and international talent, has faced ongoing issues with player payments, raising concerns among foreign players and stakeholders alike. This time, the World Cricket Association (WCA) has stepped in, urging the BPL to address outstanding payments due to foreign players from the last edition of the tournament.
Foreign Players’ Unresolved Payments in the Last BPL Edition
According to WCA’s reports, around 15 foreign players from the last BPL season still await payments, totaling an approximate $250,000. The issue, unfortunately, involves multiple teams, some of which will not be participating in the upcoming BPL season.
Comilla Victorians, Chattogram Challengers, and Durdanto Dhaka are among the teams facing scrutiny for unresolved payments. Their absence from the upcoming season raises questions about their commitment to settling financial obligations, given that players’ dues remain unpaid.
While some teams are stepping back, the BPL welcomes exciting new participants. After an 11-year break, Chittagong Kings is set to make a return, alongside new franchises Dhaka Capitals and Durbar Rajshahi, introducing fresh energy and competition.
WCA’s Demand for Timely Resolution of Payments
WCA’s CEO, Tom Moffat, expressed his disappointment regarding the delayed payments and the need for urgent action to rectify these issues. Moffat emphasized that non-payment has become a common complaint among players and risks tarnishing the BPL’s image in the international cricket community.
The BPL governing council, led by Nazmul Abedin, has acknowledged the payment issues and confirmed that steps are underway to address them. Abedin explained that the process of settling these dues is in progress, and further updates will follow.
Statement from Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB)
The CWAB has also intervened on behalf of players, confirming that 12 out of 15 unpaid players have recently received payments. However, three players are still awaiting their full compensation, and CWAB remains optimistic about a complete resolution.
WCA chief executive Tom Moffat admitted to this website regarding the same. “A significant number of late and non-payment issues have been reported to us with respect to the last BPL event, and most of them remain outstanding. This is a broader ongoing issue across our whole sport and it is disappointing these issues continue to be reported,” said Moffat.
“We continue to urge the game’s leadership to step in and ensure they are resolved and the players are paid what they are owed urgently,” he added.
Under former BCB president Nazmul Hasan, delayed payments became a recurring issue in the BPL. Now, with new BCB president Faruque Ahmed taking charge, there is hope for more rigorous accountability and timely payments.
“That issue has been addressed and the process has started (as far as clearing them is concerned). It is handled by the CEO and he can give you the correct answer but that issue (letter from World Cricketers Association’s concern) has been addressed and work is in place to solve it,” said Nazmul.
The next edition of BPL is scheduled to kick off on December 30 with the final scheduled on February 7 next year.
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