Bangladeshi Team Refuses To Play Match, Gives Walkover To Opponent

 A local Bangladesh team concedes match [Source: AP]

A cricket team in Bangladesh refused to take field in the ongoing 50-overs Dhaka Premier Division League 2026 tournament. The Brothers Union, led by domestic veteran Zahiduzzaman, conceded a walkover against the Agrani Bank on Friday, June 5.

The match never got underway at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan No 4 Ground in Savar, prompting the match officials to award points to Agrani Bank.

The Brothers Union refused to show up for the game despite reaching the venue owing to unpaid dues. The team has repeatedly raised payment issues with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the past few seasons.

Bangladesh all-rounder explains Brothers Union players boycott

Brothers Union all-rounder and out-of-favour Bangladesh cricketer Sohag Gazi explained that the match boycott was the last resort of the players after their unsuccessful attempts in resolving the non-payment issue with the club officials and the BCB.

While speaking after the walkout, Gazi said “It is purely a payment issue. There is nothing else. We were forced into this at the last moment. We gave them time, spoke with them and went wherever we needed to go. Having exhausted all options, all the players collectively made this decision.”

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Sohag Gazi added that while players received the first 20 percent of their payments before the opening match of the tournament itself, they are yet to receive the next 30 percent that was promised to them before Eid.

The Bangladeshi all-rounder further stated that several players in the Brothers Union are struggling to support their families, and many of them “could not” enjoy Eid properly this year.

He said “We have families too. We have to survive and support them. Many players could not pay their house rent. Some could not buy groceries. Even if the club paid what was agreed in the contracts, players could at least manage rent and support their families. You cannot celebrate Eid with that. Around 25 to 30 families could not enjoy Eid properly.”

Players seek assistance from CWAB over non-payment

Sohag Gazi explained that Brothers Union players have also previously sought assistance from the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). He added that while the CWAB has taken the necessary steps, the cricket club itself is not giving any importance to the matter.

Following the latest walkout, the players will now be expected to seek further intervention from the BCB and the CWAB, while the club could also face disciplinary action from the tournament authorities over its failure to fulfil contractual obligations.

Brothers Union likely to face repercussions of walkout

Unpaid dues aside, the Brothers Union players might face repercussions following their walkout against the Agrani Bank in match number 52 of the Dhaka Premier Division League 2026 season.

According to Clause 16.15.2 of the DPL by-laws, any team conceding a “walkover” will be considered as “one of the relegated team” from the tournament. Moreover, the team will also be required to return the financial grant it received from the BCB, in addition to paying a fine of BDT 20,000.

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