Tamim proposes tripartite deal to fix DPL payment issues

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal said on Saturday that they are looking to introduce a tripartite agreement involving the board, clubs, and players in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), the country's traditional List-A tournament played by Dhaka-based clubs.

After taking over as interim head, Tamim promised to start the DPL as soon as possible, as it had been boycotted by most Dhaka-based clubs. They had refused to take part under the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led board, alleging it to be illegal. The National Sports Council dissolved the previous board after finding misuse of power.

Tamim has managed to keep his promise, as the BCB and the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis earlier announced that DPL 2025-26 is scheduled to commence on May 4 and conclude on June 11. The league will follow a single-league format this season, with the Super League and Relegation League stages removed.

However, players' payments have always been an issue in the DPL. Tamim insisted that a tripartite agreement could help players secure their payments.

"Normally, the Cricket Board doesn't take any liability regarding payment issues in the Dhaka Premier League because the deal is between the club and the players. But in the last few years, the payments players have been receiving have reduced quite a lot," said Tamim.

"In the future, we are discussing how we can make this more systematic so that the commitments made by both sides are fulfilled. This is something we need to address when an elected body comes in. That's why I said that if we can bring it under a proper tripartite contract, where the BCB also contributes to the clubs, it would be better."

Tamim also said he is open to bringing foreign cricketers into the DPL if it increases competitiveness and if the clubs agree.

"There are two sides to the story. At one time there were three foreign players, then two, then one. Having none means more opportunities for local players. But if one or two are allowed, the competitiveness of the league increases. This is something we need to discuss with the participating clubs. To make the tournament more exciting and attract more sponsors, we may need to take such decisions in the future."