BCB chief offers reassurance to players following non-payment by BPL franchises

BCB President Faruque Ahmed has promptly taken action to reassure players that they will receive their due payments. Reports of delayed payments from several franchises had caused concern among the players, but Ahmed has given assurances that their first installment will be paid on time. The payment structure requires franchises to pay 50% of a player's fee before the tournament begins, followed by a further 25% during the tournament and the remainder after its conclusion. The tournament, which features seven teams, commenced on December 30.

Faruque, the former Bangladesh captain who was elected BCB president in August, said that he is in talks with the BPL franchises about the clearing of payment, but didn't want to elaborate on why the franchises (except Fortune Barishal) haven't provided the BCB with the prerequisite bank guarantee.

The board keeps a bank guarantee from franchises, as per rules, to ensure that the players get paid by the BCB in the event of franchises failing to make the payments. The BCB has paid from the bank guarantee in the past. However, the lack of bank guarantee this time puts the players' payment in uncertainty.

"We have communicated with the BPL franchise owners since day one," Faruque said. "I told them that they will have to pay the money. If you ask me to answer in black and white why (franchises didn't pay guarantee money), I won't be able to provide a clear answer. You have to see the overall situation from everyone's perspective over the last four months.

"It doesn't however mean the players will not get their payments. We have taken different steps for the franchises. I have spoken directly with the franchise as board president so that they feel that we are partners. They are also spending money for Bangladesh cricket."

This issue emerged just days after a ticketing fiasco that saw irate fans break the main gate of the Shere Bangla National Stadium on opening day of the competition.