Durbar Rajshahi apologise after players protest non-payment of fees

Durbar Rajshahi Apologizes for Payment Delay, Commits to Partial Payment by January 16

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durbar Rajshahi has apologized for late payment of fees to their cricketers and committed to clearing 50% of the dues by January 16.

The apology came after local players of the club protested about the unpaid fees, forcing the cancellation of a training session in Chattogram on January 15. While overseas players and coaching staff had received 25% of their total pay, the franchise failed to keep up its commitment to local cricketers.

BCB president Faruque Ahmed intervened, holding discussions with Rajshahi officials, captain Anamul Haque, and several other players. Jayed Ahmed, operation in-charge of the franchise, apologized for the delays but denied any connection between the payment issue and the cancelled practice session.

Jayed clarified that the cancelled practice was due to the late arrival of some players and assured that the cricketers would receive their payments by January 16. He acknowledged the delay and apologized for it, stating that 50% of the dues would be paid by Thursday, with 25% in cash and the rest through cheque.

BCB director Manjur Alam informed the media that negotiations were ongoing and expressed optimism about reaching a solution by the following day. He confirmed that the team would attend practice on Thursday, a positive development in the negotiations.

The BPL governing council had set a payment schedule for the franchises to pay all players 50% of their total fees before the start of the tournament, 25% during the tournament, and the rest after the tournament. However, some local players in the Rajshahi camp reportedly did not receive their daily allowance regularly.

Durbar Rajshahi has announced a practice session at the M A Aziz Stadium in Chattogram on Thursday, ahead of their opening match of the next phase against Sylhet Strikers, scheduled for January 17.