BCB takes ownership rights of Chattogram Royals for remainder of BPL

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken over the ownership rights of the Chattogram Royals for the remainder of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season. BCB vice-chairman Shakhawat Hossain, a member of the BPL Governing Council, confirmed the development on Thursday.

Royals owner Kayum Rashed submitted a written request to the BCB, citing difficulties in continuing to run the team and asked the board to take over operations.

"We have taken over the ownership right of the team, and now the board will run the team," Shakhawat said. "We will sit with the players and discuss the next steps."

According to the letter, seen by Cricbuzz, the Royals failed to attract sponsors. The letter stated that persistent media speculation about the team's uncertainty and financial credibility led sponsors to withdraw, causing significant financial challenges that hampered the team's preparation.

"In light of the above circumstances… I respectfully request the Bangladesh Cricket Board to take over from this point forward and assume the necessary responsibilities throughout the remainder of the tournament," Rashed wrote in the letter.

Another BCB official indicated that the franchise's early association with "dubious characters" had severely damaged its reputation in the sponsorship market.

It is learned the BCB has appointed former national captain Habibul Bashar as mentor, with Mizanur Rahman Babul and Nafis Iqbal acting as team managers for the Chattogram Royals. Bashar had initially been appointed mentor but left, with many believing he was uncomfortable with individuals around the franchise setup.

Many Royals cricketers left the team hotel on Wednesday (December 25) after failing to receive payments from the franchise. The BPL is scheduled to commence in Sylhet on December 26.