Teams in limbo as financial requirements go unmet
Bangladesh cricket is once again in the spotlight — and not for the right reasons. As the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) prepares for its return to the players’ auction format, the tournament finds itself mired in fresh controversy. According to multiple reports, the majority of franchises have failed to meet critical financial obligations, leaving the league’s integrity and schedule hanging by a thread.
Each of the five approved franchises was required to submit a bank guarantee of ৳10 crore (approx. US$817.7k), a standard financial safeguard designed to ensure teams have the resources to meet player payments and operational costs. The BPL governing council had extended the original deadline, granting an additional five days, with a final submission date of November 18.
Yet, even with the extension, only three teams — Dhaka Capitals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Rangpur Riders — managed to submit their bank guarantees. Reports indicate that one of those three may have submitted less than the required amount. Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans failed to submit anything at all.
Governing council may extend deadline again
The situation has cast serious doubts over the BPL’s ability to proceed on schedule, with the players’ auction — the league’s first in over a decade — set for November 23 in Dhaka. Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, BPL Governing Council Secretary, acknowledged the issue in a statement to The Daily Star, saying that forfeiture of the franchise fee could be a consequence if teams do not comply.
“If any franchise fails to provide the bank guarantee, their franchise fee of BDT 2 crore (approx. US$163.5k) will be forfeited. But proceeding without the guarantee risks repeating past issues. Teams can also submit a Fixed Deposit lien, which we can break at any time,” he said.
The guarantee system is a financial safeguard the BCB says is critical — particularly in a league where delays in player payments have historically plagued the brand.
Uncertainty clouds BPL’s biggest moment in years
This season was meant to mark a revival of the BPL’s player acquisition process. For the first time since 2013, the league is moving away from a draft system and returning to a player auction. All five franchises were expected to participate in the auction, starting with domestic players, followed by overseas signings.
However, the lack of bank guarantees is not the only concern. According to multiple reports, franchise representatives cite the current economic and political instability in Bangladesh as a reason for hesitation in committing large financial sums — an environment that has left team preparations fractured and uncertain.
Franchise structure adds to complexity
The ownership landscape for BPL teams adds another layer of complexity. Rangpur Riders are owned by Bashundhara Group’s Togi Sports, which includes directors who also serve on the BCB board — complicating the board’s ability to enforce compliance. The other teams are controlled by separate entities: Triangle Services Ltd. owns Chattogram Royals, Nabil Group backs Rajshahi Warriors, Champion Sports owns Dhaka Capitals, and JM Sports controls Sylhet Titans.
Despite the league’s ambitions for professionalism and global recognition, the current crisis has prompted fears that BPL 2025 could resemble previous troubled seasons — underfunded, disorganised, and poorly executed.
As the November 23 auction looms, the question remains: will the BPL’s fractured finances derail its most important season in a decade? Or will the league’s leadership enforce accountability in time to salvage its credibility?
