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World Cricket Association has sent a formal letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board, citing the payment-related issues.
BPL’s latest season will start on December 30. (AFP Photo)
Several foreign players who featured in the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) have yet to receive their full payment. The World Cricket Association has urged the BPL officials to clear all the outstanding dues as soon as possible.
The governing body which protects the rights of cricketers around the globe has sent a formal letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), citing the payment-related issues. When asked about the development, the WCA condemned the approach of the authorities overseeing the financial situation of players taking part in the BPL.
“A significant number of late and non-payment issues have been reported to us with respect to the last BPL event, and most of them remain outstanding,” WCA chief executive Tom Moffat confirmed while speaking to Cricbuzz.
“This is a broader ongoing issue across our whole sport and it is disappointing these issues continue to be reported. We continue to urge the game’s leadership to step in and ensure they are resolved and the players are paid what they are owed urgently,” he added.
Debabrata Paul from Bangladesh’s Cricketers Welfare Association has claimed that 12 out of those 15 players have already received their payment.
“There are three cricketers from three franchises that still did not get their payment but we are hoping they will also get back their payment soon,” Paul said.
While speaking about the issue, BPL governing council secretary Nazmul Abedin claimed the board has already initiated the process of clearing the outstanding payments. “That issue has been addressed and the process has started,” he said.
The publication further reported that at least 15 players have their payments due for the last BPL and the amount is estimated to be around USD 250,000 (nearly Rs 2.1 crore).
A franchise which featured in the last edition but will not take part this season has also complained of non-payment as it owes almost USD 100000 (approximately Rs 84.39 lakh).
Three teams – Comilla Victorians, Chattogram Challengers and Durdanto Dhaka – who were part of the last BPL have decided to pull out from the competition. Along with reigning champions Fortune Barishal, Sylhet Strikers, Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders will return to action this season.
Chittagong Kings are also gearing up for a comeback after a long hiatus of 11 years. Moreover, the upcoming BPL edition will see two new teams – Dhaka Capitals and Durbar Rajshahi – in action.
The latest season of BPL is slated to commence on December 30.
