Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has assured timely payments to players participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), despite some franchise owners delaying payments.
As per league rules, franchises are required to pay 50% of a player’s earnings before the tournament starts, 25% during the event, and the remaining 25% after it concludes. The BPL, featuring seven teams, began on December 30.
Since taking over as BCB president in August, Faruque Ahmed has been in discussions with franchise owners regarding the delays. However, he did not clarify why most franchises, except Fortune Barishal, have not provided the mandatory bank guarantees. These guarantees are intended to ensure player payments, allowing the BCB to step in if a franchise fails to pay. Concerns about delayed payments have risen this year due to the absence of such guarantees.
Faruque stated, “We are constantly talking to the franchise owners. I told them they must pay the players. Although I can’t explain exactly why they haven’t paid the guarantee money, it’s important to understand their situations over the last few months.” He also highlighted efforts to build a partnership with franchise owners, acknowledging their investments in Bangladesh cricket and offering support.
This payment issue follows another organizational setback on the tournament’s opening day when frustrated fans, unable to buy tickets, broke the main gate at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The incident underscored ongoing challenges in managing the league.
The BPL governing council has set specific salary categories for both local and foreign players. The highest-paid local cricketer can earn up to Tk 80 lakh, while top foreign players are capped at USD 80,000.
Local Player Salaries (By Category)
- ‘A’ Grade: Tk 80 lakh (₹57.6 lakh)
- ‘B’ Grade: Tk 50 lakh (₹36 lakh)
- ‘C’ Grade: Tk 30 lakh (₹21.6 lakh)
- ‘D’ Grade: Tk 20 lakh (₹14.4 lakh)
- ‘E’ Grade: Tk 15 lakh (₹10.8 lakh)
- ‘F’ Grade: Tk 10 lakh (₹7.2 lakh)
- ‘G’ Grade: Tk 5 lakh (₹3.6 lakh)
Foreign players in the ‘A’ category can earn up to USD 80,000. While players are generally acquired through a draft system, franchises can directly sign foreign players outside the draft.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
