DHAKA: The ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been marked by payment concerns, but Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed remains optimistic that cricketers will eventually receive their due payments from the franchises. Faruque emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, a recurring problem since the BPL's inception in 2012.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faruque stated that the BCB has been proactive in communicating with franchises about their financial obligations to players. "Since day one, we have communicated with the franchises and told them that they would have to pay the money," he said. Historically, the BCB has stepped in to cover dues when franchises failed to meet their commitments.
Faruque, who assumed the presidency under challenging circumstances last year, following the ouster of the Awami League government and the subsequent disappearance of former president Nazmul Hassan Papon and his close directors, has been working to stabilize the BPL. His leadership, characterized by swift organizational changes, has aimed to revitalize the tournament. Despite these efforts, payment issues have persisted, underscoring the financial strains faced by the franchises.
Faruque has urged stakeholders to consider the broader context of the past four months, acknowledging the difficulties faced by all parties involved. However, he remains hopeful that the financial matters will be resolved. "You have to see the overall situation from everyone's perspective over the last four months. But I hope that the players will get their money," he added, highlighting a commitment to ensuring the welfare of the players while understanding the franchises' challenges.