BPL 2025: Durbar Rajshahi's overseas players stranded in Dhaka
What's the story
Durbar Rajshahi's international cricketers are now stuck in a hotel in Dhaka, as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise failed to meet payment deadlines.
The team management and owner have remained unresponsive to the players' requests for updates, as they await their return flight tickets.
The squad consists of Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe) and Miguel Cummins (West Indies).
Financial troubles
Rajshahi's financial woes and BPL exit
Rajshahi has been marred by financial problems since the start of BPL.
Anamul Haque had revealed local players hadn't been paid a single penny before the tournament started, unlike the usual 25% upfront payment.
This resulted in a training session boycott in Chattogram last month, and an overseas player strike during a match.
Despite all this, Burl and Haris made themselves available for play, keeping Rajshahi in playoff contention till their elimination on Saturday.
Payment disputes
Rajshahi's owner faces hotel payment issues
Rajshahi's owner, Shafique Rahman, also had a tough time with the team hotel in Chattogram as payments were delayed.
Pictures of security personnel standing outside his room went viral online after the hotel authorities seized Rahman's car.
On returning to Dhaka, the Rajshahi team had to vacate one hotel due to payment issues.
Oversight admission
BCB admits oversight in vetting Rajshahi franchise
Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, member-secretary of BPL's governing council, admitted that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) did not thoroughly vet the Rajshahi franchise when they joined last year.
He said, "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."
Warning issued
Bangladesh's sports adviser warns Rajshahi owner
On Saturday, Bangladesh's sports adviser Asif Mahmud spoke to Rahman, warning him about potential consequences.
"I spoke to the Rajshahi owner, who assured us that he will clear the payments," Mahmud said.
"I have told him clearly that if he fails to do so, we will take legal steps. No more discussions."
DYK
BCB promises severe action amid match-fixing allegations
Meawhile, The BCB has pledged strict action against any cricketer found guilty of misconduct in the ongoing BPL.
This comes after the board's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) flagged eight matches for spot-fixing and match-fixing.
The ACU is now probing 10 players and keeping a close eye on four franchises based on anonymous tips and media reports.
Body
BCB establishes independent inquiry body amid BPL corruption allegations
The BCB established an independent inquiry body to aid its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in ongoing investigations into the BPL.
This comes after recent corruption allegations surrounding the BPL. The board announced its commitment to ensure a fair and transparent cricketing environment, and pledged to take all necessary actions to uphold the sport's integrity in Bangladesh.
The BCB stressed that it strictly follows the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Participants and has a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption in any form.