DHAKA: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is once again facing the recurring issue of unpaid dues.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the problem of non-payment of outstanding amounts has resurfaced following the conclusion of the 12th edition.
The BPL Governing Council has sent letters to all franchises, directing them to clear all remaining dues.
The letter, dated January 27, gives the franchises a 15-day deadline to make the payments.
During the 12th edition itself (which ended recently), the payment issue did not come to the forefront as it had in the previous season.
It was delayed in surfacing due to other major distractions, including Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup preparations and a players’ boycott that halted the league for over a day.
One player anonymously stated that franchises have so far paid only about 25% of the owed amounts.
He added that players’ cheques bounced on January 20, and this can be verified from anyone involved.
The champion franchise, Rajshahi Warriors, has claimed to have cleared all their outstanding payments.
BPL member secretary Iftikhar Rahman (also referred to as Iftekhar Rahman Mithu in reports) stated that certain franchises must clear their dues as per the agreements.
The franchises have been provided with all the necessary payment lists, and they have been given a 15-day window to settle everything.
He also noted that in cases of non-compliance, the board could utilize bank guarantees and franchise fees to ensure payments are made (for example, mentioning specific amounts and guarantees held for teams like Noakhali and Dhaka).
