Shame for Bangladesh! Chronic payment failure crisis in BPL resurfaces

BPL Trophy and Iftikhar Rahman Mithu [Source: X]

Seems like the in-built chaos within Bangladesh cricket is never-ending. After a woeful exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh Premier League has once again been hit by non-payment issues.

Notably, after the conclusion of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League, the governing council has already sent letters to all franchises regarding the clearance of outstanding dues. The formal letter was issued on January 27, instructing all teams to complete their payments within the next 15 days.

Players express frustration over non-payment issues

In previous editions, the BPL has been known for persistent payment-related problems, which even saw players withdraw due to delayed or failed payments.

In fact, one franchise, Chattogram Royals, withdrew their ownership due to financial insolvency. Similarly, with chronic non-payment issues resurfacing in recent weeks after the tournament’s conclusion, several players have expressed their frustration over not receiving their dues.

An anonymous Noakhali Express player informed the media that the franchise has paid only 25 percent of the fees owed to players, with the remaining 75 percent still pending, reporting that their cheques bounced on January 20, and that this happened to every player.

“You can ask the other players too. Our cheques bounced on January 20, and it happened to all the players,” the player told The Daily Star.

Notably, Noakhali Express is one of the newest additions to the BPL, with the 2025–26 season being their inaugural campaign. Other players echoed similar sentiments regarding Noakhali Express, while still placing their trust in the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the clearance of the remaining payments.

“BCB asked us about the payments and we are expecting the payments will be made soon,” said the Noakhali player.

Payment failure across BPL franchises

Adding to Noakhali Express’ woes, Dhaka Capitals players also confirmed a week ago that they received only 25 percent of their payments during the tournament, with only a small additional amount credited afterward.

Last week, the franchise stated that it would clear all dues during the ongoing week. On the other hand, Rajshahi Warriors have cleared all payments to players and staff, while Rangpur Riders also reported full payment clearance.

However, a Sylhet Titans player revealed that only 50 percent of his payment had been made, and Chattogram Royals players are set to be paid by the board following the dissolution of the franchise’s ownership.

BPL secretary affirms clearance of payments

BPL member secretary Iftikhar Rahman Mithu acknowledged that some franchises are behind on their payments but hinted that, in cases of non-payment, the board would use bank guarantees and franchise fees to clear all outstanding dues.

“Altogether, Noakhali have around Tk 1.45 crore in outstanding payments. We have Tk 2 crore [as franchise fee] from them. Dhaka have provided us with a Tk 5 crore bank guarantee. Cheques have bounced but we have the funds for their payments with us,” he said.

“We issued a letter on the 27th that in 15 days from then, the franchises will have to complete all payment and give us a list which would include the names of all team management, foreign and local players. We will scrutinise the list by calling each and every one,” Mithu added.

Earlier payment scandals in BPL

This failure in payment structure has been a recurring issue since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2012–13, when players did not receive their full salaries.

That season was also marred by a major spot-fixing scandal involving former captain Mohammad Ashraful, which led the BCB to suspend the tournament for a season.

In the 2024–25 season, Durbar Rajshahi faced significant controversy after players boycotted matches over unpaid wages, daily allowances, and hotel bills.

Nevertheless, the season concluded successfully with Rajshahi Warriors lifting the trophy, even as Bangladesh continues to navigate the fallout from its ominous exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 following a rift with the International Cricket Council and the BCCI.