BPL: Durbar Rajshahi's Players Boycott Over Payment Issues

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durbar Rajshahi issued a public apology on Wednesday after failing to pay players on time, a situation that escalated into a player-led protest and disrupted team preparations.

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The controversy unfolded on January 15 when Rajshahi’s local players boycotted training at the team’s Chattogram camp to demand payment of overdue salaries. The franchise had previously fulfilled only 25% of its financial obligations to overseas players and coaching staff after their fourth match on January 6. Payments for local players, however, remained pending, prompting frustration and action.

Responding to the players’ grievances, Rajshahi’s operations in-charge, Jayed Ahmed, apologized publicly and assured that 50% of the outstanding payments would be cleared by January 16.

“We were late in making the payment, and we cannot deny it,” Jayed admitted. “We apologize to everyone for it because this shouldn’t have happened. We will pay 25% in cash and the remaining 25% by cheque. Players will receive 50% of their payments by Thursday.”

Jayed also downplayed the connection between the payment delays and the canceled practice session, stating it was due to logistical challenges following the team’s travel from Chattogram.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stepped in to address the escalating situation. BCB President Faruque Ahmed held an emergency Zoom meeting with board directors and later visited the Rajshahi team hotel to mediate discussions.

BCB Director Manjur Alam updated the media from Chattogram, expressing optimism about resolving the issue. “The board president spoke directly to the team owners, captain, and players. Negotiations are in progress, and we have a positive vibe from all parties. The players have agreed to attend practice tomorrow, which is a positive development,” Manjur stated.