Cricketers Receiving Less Than One-Third of Last Year’s Payments

Sports Desk

The green grass of Mirpur seems dull today. The smiling faces at the Premier League trophy unveiling are overshadowed by an invisible gloom. The reason? Payment issues. A cricketer who received 30 lakh taka last year is now getting less than 7 lakh taka. Even those who earned 5-7 lakh taka last year are now receiving only 50,000 taka. This situation has plunged the country’s cricketers into deep despair. They blame the post-August 5 power shift for the drastic drop in payments for players in the country’s top league.

Last season’s contracts now seem like a faded dream from a bygone era. Clubs are citing “bad conditions,” “lack of sponsors,” and “reduced budgets” as reasons.

Even experienced cricketers like Tamim Iqbal feel helpless. His voice lacks strength, filled only with a plea. Behind the smiles of Mosaddek Hossain Saikat and Enamul Haque Bijoy lies hidden pain.

The failure in the Champions Trophy, the national team’s crisis—everything seems interconnected. The Premier League, once a cradle of talent, now appears to be struggling itself.

A club official said that after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, businesses suffered a massive blow. Premier League clubs primarily rely on donations, and no one is responding as they used to.

At the Premier League trophy unveiling on Saturday, Tamim, Bijoy, and Saikat shared their concerns. Ahead of the league’s start on Monday across three venues, their voices echoed worry.

Tamim Iqbal (Mohammedan Sporting Club):
“I always feel that the Premier League is the backbone of Bangladesh cricket. More important than good matches or umpiring is ensuring players receive their payments. My only wish is that clubs fulfill their promises and ensure every player gets their due payment. That should be the top priority. We know our country’s situation is different, but players are suffering in both the BPL and Premier League. I hope the clubs pay the players fully. Beyond that, I hope the cricket is good, and the board addresses umpiring issues. Let’s finish the league well. Again, my main priority is ensuring players receive their full payments.”

Mosaddek Hossain Saikat (Abahani Limited):
“This year is challenging for us. As Tamim bhai mentioned, payment is a big issue. That’s why we couldn’t retain many players this year. I think we have some exciting players, and we can move forward and achieve good results. However, I believe the biggest issue in the Dhaka League is payment. Players are sacrificing and playing for less. I hope clubs pay the players in full.”

Enamul Haque Bijoy (Gazi Group Cricketers):
“I hope to contribute to the team this year and deliver the best performance. Gazi is a great name, dominating and playing good cricket for many years. I hope to take the team to a good position with strong performances.”