DPL team concedes walkover over unpaid dues

Brothers Union conceded a walkover against Agrani Bank in their Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match at BKSP on Friday over unpaid dues.

The match never started after players refused to take the field despite arriving at the venue, prompting match officials to award points to Agrani Bank.

For the past few seasons, Brothers Union players have repeatedly raised payment issues with the BCB, with only partial payments made occasionally and no long-term solution found.

Captain Zahiduzzaman did not appear for the toss, forcing umpires to declare the unusual result.

Sohag Gazi's statement: The former Bangladesh international said the boycott was a last resort after failed attempts to resolve the dispute with club officials.

"It is purely a payment issue. We gave them time, spoke with them… Having exhausted all options, all the players collectively made this decision."

"They paid the first 20 percent before the opening match. But the next 30 percent was supposed to be paid before Eid. Eid passed, and we still did not receive a single taka."

"We have families too. Many players could not pay their house rent. Some could not buy groceries."

He alleged players were left waiting for hours before Eid, only to receive small amounts ranging from Tk 6,000 to Tk 35,000.

"Players waited outside an official's house for nearly three hours. You cannot celebrate Eid with that. Around 25 to 30 families could not enjoy Eid properly."

Players sought assistance from the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) but the issue remained unresolved.

"The message we got was: play if you want, don't play if you don't. If that's the attitude, there is not much left to discuss."

Consequences: Per DPL by-laws, a team conceding a walkover will be considered relegated, must return the BCB financial grant, and pay a fine of BDT 20,000. All runs and wickets by the team's players will be removed from tournament statistics.