World Cricketers Association warns BCB over BPL non-payments

The World Cricketers Association (WCA) chief executive Tom Moffat has warned the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the non-payment issues in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). If this trend continues, the best players from around the world will not be available in the tournament.

Press Conference

On February 1, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, met with Durbar Rajshahi owner Md Shafiq Rahman at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium to address concerns over unpaid player wages in the BPL. A joint press conference was held with BCB president Faruque Ahmed and BPL governing council member secretary Najmul Abedin, where Asif insisted that the BCB will take legal action if the franchises fail to clear payments on time.

Concerns Over Unpaid Player Wages

Asif stated that a fact-finding committee has been formed to investigate the issue and that he has spoken with the Rajshahi owner, warning that failure to pay will result in legal action. He also mentioned that the image of the country was damaged due to one team's unpaid wages, and that the fact-finding committee will investigate and take action accordingly.

BPL Governance

BPL governing council member secretary Nazmul admitted that the BCB failed to get the right kind of franchises in the tournament, citing a lack of consideration for experience and financial strength. This decision is believed to be the reason for the current difficulties faced by the tournament.

WCA Concerns

WCA CEO Moffat expressed concerns that the tournament is losing its credibility, which may result in the loss of good foreign cricketers in the future. He stated that leagues with non-payment issues will continue to lose access to the best players and that the game needs to change at a global level to address these issues.

Urgent Action Required

Moffat emphasized that governing bodies should take urgent action to ensure players are paid what they are owed, as people's livelihoods are at stake. The ongoing edition of the BPL is set to end on February 7, with Fortune Barishal taking on Chittagong Kings in the final.