BCB Faces Criticism from International Players’ Association Over BPL Payment Issues

Sports Desk

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has strongly criticized the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for repeated failures in paying players’ salaries on time in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat expressed disappointment over the recurring payment issues, calling them “unacceptable” and highlighting the negative impact on players.

The criticism follows an incident on Sunday where foreign players of the Durbar Rajshahi franchise refused to play a match due to unpaid salaries. Rajshahi captain Taskin Ahmed even joked after the match that he hoped the checks issued to Bangladeshi players would not “bounce” like the pitch. BCB’s media committee chairman, Iftekhar Rahman, stated that the board plans to take legal action against the Rajshahi franchise.

On Monday, Rajshahi’s two foreign players, Ryan Burl and Aftab Alam, participated in the team’s final league match against Sylhet Strikers. However, it remains unclear whether franchise owner Shafiqur Rahman has fully cleared their dues.

Moffat told ESPNcricinfo, “We are disappointed to hear of further payment issues in the Bangladesh Premier League, which has been repeating the same offense for many years. These issues are unacceptable, and the lack of improvement affects players. In any officially sanctioned league, players should have confidence that their contracts include basic protections and minimum standards, which are effectively enforced.”

This year’s BPL has been marred by organizational challenges, with payment disputes involving Durbar Rajshahi and Chattogram Kings. Earlier, Rajshahi players boycotted practice over unpaid salaries, and foreign players later refused to play matches. Additionally, the franchise has reportedly struggled to clear hotel bills.

The recurring payment issues have raised concerns about the management and credibility of the BPL, with players and stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of contractual obligations.