Bangladesh’s sports ministry announced on Monday that Durbar Rajshahi owner Shafiqur Rahman has promised to clear all outstanding payments to players by February 10. Earlier, Rahman had set February 2 as the deadline but failed to meet it.
Government sports advisor Asif Mahmud confirmed speaking to Rahman, warning of legal consequences if the dues remained unpaid. The government also formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the issue. The ministry’s direct involvement in a BPL-related matter, typically handled by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), is unprecedented.
According to the ministry’s statement, Rahman accepted responsibility and assured payments would be made in three instalments: 25% on February 3, 7, and 10. All players and staff would receive their dues within these instalments. The statement also warned of legal action if the payments were not completed.
Meanwhile, Rajshahi’s overseas players remained stranded in their Dhaka hotel as payment delays continued. Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe), and Miguel Cummins (West Indies) were all awaiting payments. Some had received 25%, while others had not been paid at all. The situation worsened when the team bus driver allegedly withheld players’ kit bags due to unpaid wages.
Burl was the first to depart on Monday after receiving his ticket. Rajshahi confirmed Haris would leave later that day, while others would fly out over the next two days.
Rajshahi’s financial struggles have persisted throughout the BPL season. Local players, led by Anamul Haque, had boycotted training over unpaid wages. Overseas players also refused to play a match but later returned, helping the team push for a playoff spot before falling short on net run rate.
