BPL Payment Crisis: Dhaka Capitals Owe Over 3 Crore to Players

BPL Payment Scandal: Dhaka Capitals Under Fire for Unpaid Dues

The dust has settled on the Bangladesh Premier League, but for the players of Dhaka Capitals, the battle is far from over. More than two months have passed since the tournament concluded, yet a staggering sum remains unpaid, leaving cricketers in the lurch and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) fuming.

A Breach of Trust

According to strict BPL regulations, every player must receive their full dues within 45 days of the tournament’s finale. While other franchises have honored their commitments, Dhaka Capitals have failed to follow suit. Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, BCB director and secretary of the BPL Governing Council, has confirmed that the franchise still owes an eye-watering 3 crore taka to its players.

The Breakdown of the Crisis

The payment structure for the BPL is clear-cut: 25 percent before the tournament, 50 percent during, and the final 25 percent within 45 days post-event. Mithu expressed deep frustration, stating, “All teams have paid, except Dhaka Capitals. Players are saying one thing, the franchise another. I have asked them to sit together so we can solve the issue.”

Key points regarding the standoff include:

• Escalating Tension: Despite multiple letters from the council and a deadline set on February 27, Dhaka Capitals have failed to provide the necessary payment clarity.
• Empty Promises: The franchise reportedly pledged to clear dues before Eid, yet players confirm that the bulk of the 3 crore taka remains outstanding.
• Board Intervention: The governing council holds a bank guarantee of 5 crore taka and a 5 crore taka cheque, which may be cashed to settle the players’ dues if the franchise continues to delay.

Action Imminent

Mithu has issued a stern warning: the council’s patience is running thin, and decisive action is expected this week. While the board has assured players that their money is safe, the administrative failure by the Dhaka franchise is a dark cloud hanging over the league. Though some minor payments of 50-60 lakh were recently made, it is merely a drop in the ocean compared to the massive debt remaining.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Horizon

Amidst this controversy, the BPL Governing Council is looking toward a broader future. With the final held on January 23 and the Rajshahi Warriors clinching a historic debut title, the board is keen to decentralize the sport. Having successfully hosted the opening ceremony in Sylhet, there are ambitious plans to expand scouting and match hosting to cities like Chattogram and Bogura to ignite passion for cricket across the entire nation.