Durbar Rajshahi, a BPL franchise, faced a payment crisis, leaving foreign players stranded and staff unpaid. Government intervention and the owner’s detention did not solve the issue.
Durbar Rajshahi, a franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), has recently faced significant issues regarding the payment of its players and staff. The franchise’s failure to meet its financial obligations has led to a crisis, leaving foreign players stranded and local staff unpaid. This situation has raised concerns about the management of BPL franchises and their responsibility towards their employees.
Payment Issues and Stranded Players
The core of the crisis revolves around Durbar Rajshahi’s failure to pay its foreign players, including Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe), and Miguel Cummins (West Indies). These players were reportedly awaiting a portion of their dues, with some having received only 25 percent of their promised payments, while others received nothing at all. This non-payment issue has been a significant concern, affecting the players’ morale and creating unrest within the team.
Adding to the issue, local cricketers also experienced non-payment of dues. Several local players checked out of their hotel without receiving their payments. The franchise’s inability to pay both foreign and local players points towards a deep financial problem and a lack of effective management.
Team Management’s Response and Failed Promises
The team owners made promises to clear the payments; however, these promises were not fulfilled. The players were left in a state of uncertainty, with little to no response from the team management. The owners and team management also did not respond to the players’ calls, exacerbating the situation. The failure of the team owners to maintain their promises has led to a severe lack of trust within the team.
Bus Driver’s Protest
The payment crisis extended beyond the players, affecting other staff members, including the team’s bus driver, Mohammad Babul. Frustrated by the lack of payment, the bus driver locked away the team’s kit bags, essentially holding them as collateral until his dues were cleared. This act of protest further highlighted the depth of the financial problems and the franchise’s mismanagement.
The bus driver’s action meant that the players’ belongings were trapped inside the bus, preventing them from accessing their gear. The bus driver stated that he would only return the kit bags once he received his outstanding payments. This incident brought significant attention to the players’ plight and the franchise’s overall mismanagement.
Government Intervention and Actions
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) intervened in the matter after the severity of the situation was realized. Additionally, the National Sports Council (NSC) formed a fact-finding committee to address the payment issues. The Bangladesh government also got involved with a fact-finding committee. Asif Mahmud, the government advisor on sports and youth affairs, warned the franchise owner of the consequences if the dues were not cleared.
The Bangladesh sports ministry issued a press statement, indicating the unprecedented nature of the situation. The ministry reported that Durbar Rajshahi owner Shafiqur Rahman had promised to clear all dues in three installments, on February 3, 7, and 10. The government warned of legal actions if the payments were not made as promised.
Owner’s Detention and Payment Promises
Amid the chaos, Durbar Rajshahi’s owner, Shafiq Rahman, was taken into police custody for interrogation regarding the payment crisis. He promised to clear all the remaining payments in three phases, which raised some hope of resolving the situation.
BPL Performance and Conclusion
Durbar Rajshahi had a forgettable season in BPL 2025, failing to reach the playoffs. The team finished in the fifth spot, winning only six of their twelve matches. Their final match was on January 27 in Dhaka. The franchise’s financial troubles from the beginning of this BPL season also affected the team. The payment crisis, combined with a poor performance, has marred the franchise’s reputation and caused significant concern within the BPL.
Despite promises and interventions, the Durbar Rajshahi payment crisis remains a stark reminder of the importance of responsible management and financial stability within sports franchises. The players were left waiting for their dues, the bus driver was left holding the team’s kits, and the reputation of the league took a hit. The situation requires careful review and the establishment of measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.
Sources: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/133309/stranded-unpaid-and-unheard-durbar-rajshahi-foreign-players-left-in-the-lurch
https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bus-driver-locks-players-kits-over-non-payment-epic-drama-unfolds-in-bangladesh-t20-league-7621295
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bpl-crisis-bangladesh-sports-ministry-says-durbar-rajshahi-owner-will-clear-player-dues-by-february-10-1471706