The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to pursue legal action against BPL team Durbar Rajshahi for failing to pay overseas players and hotel bills. BCB media committee chairman Iftekhar Rahman stated that the board had given the franchise multiple opportunities to resolve the issue but has now lost patience.
The situation escalated when unpaid overseas players refused to participate in Sunday’s match against Rangpur Riders, forcing Rajshahi to field an XI composed entirely of local players. This violated BPL regulations requiring at least two overseas players in the playing XI. However, the BPL governing council allowed an exception, making it the first instance in tournament history where a team played without foreign players.
“We have to take legal action by any means now,” said Iftekhar. “The money has to be paid. Otherwise, BPL’s reputation will be ruined. We have been patient, but they have crossed all limits. We will file cases for breach of contract and other violations.”
Despite these challenges, Rajshahi secured a narrow two-run victory over table-toppers Rangpur. Captain Taskin Ahmed described the experience as unprecedented, detailing the difficulties faced on match day.
“We had to change hotels on the morning of the game due to booking issues,” Taskin said. “Then, just two hours before heading to the stadium, we were told the foreign players wouldn’t play. The board asked us locals to go ahead and play, and we did our best to focus on the game.”
Taskin also mentioned that local players received some payments on the same day, though concerns remain about whether the cheques will clear.
“Everyone expects to play in a peaceful environment,” he added. “But we’re trying to stay positive and perform despite these issues.”
Six overseas players, including Mohammad Haris and Aftab Alam from Pakistan, have refused to play in the BPL due to unpaid salaries. According to Bangladeshi media, foreign players from Durbar Rajshahi boycotted matches over the payment dispute, marking the second such instance in the ongoing BPL season.
The players refusing to participate include Lahiru, McCauley Cummins, Mark Doyle, and Ryan Burl, alongside the Pakistani players. Due to their absence, Rajshahi fielded an all-local playing XI against Rangpur Riders.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
