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Foreign cricketers stranded in Dhaka amid BPL franchise’s payment silence

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Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durbar Rajshahi‘s overseas players remain stranded in a Dhaka hotel due to unpaid dues. Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe), and Miguel Cummins (West Indies) represented the team in the BPL 2024-2025 season but have been unable to leave as franchise owners continue to ignore their calls. According to an ESPNCricinfo report, they have yet to receive their return flight tickets.

Some players were reportedly paid only 25% of their fees, while others received nothing. Additionally, their daily allowances have not been provided for the past 11 days. Rajshahi failed to reach the knockouts after Khulna Tigers defeated Dhaka Capitals on the final day of the league stage.

The franchise has struggled financially since the start of the season. Bangladesh batter Anamul Haque stated that local players were not paid before the tournament began, despite usually receiving 25% of their fees in advance. Last month, players boycotted a training session in Chattogram, and overseas players initially refused to play a match. However, Burl and Haris later participated, keeping Rajshahi in playoff contention until they missed out on net run rate.

Owner Shafique Rahman also faced issues in Chattogram after failing to settle hotel bills on time. Viral photos showed security personnel outside his room, and the hotel authorities seized his car. Rajshahi was also forced to check out of a Dhaka hotel due to payment problems.

BPL governing council member-secretary Nazmul Abedeen Fahim criticized the Rajshahi owners, admitting that their financial capabilities were not properly assessed. “I think we didn’t judge the franchises properly. I think we didn’t verify their experience and financial strength. It has now put us in a difficult situation,” he said.

Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Mahmud warned Rahman of serious consequences if payments were not cleared soon. “I spoke to the Rajshahi owner, who assured us that he will clear the payments,” Mahmud stated. “I have told him clearly that if he fails to do so, we will take legal steps. No more discussions. Our fact-finding committee will be looking into how this team came to be.”

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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff

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