The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is once again embroiled in controversy, this time due to unpaid salaries of support staff. According to Cricbuzz report The situation took an embarrassing turn when the bus driver assigned to Durbar Rajshahi refused to return players’ kit bags due to unpaid wages. Both local and foreign players’ belongings were locked inside the bus, as the driver demanded payment before releasing them.
Bus driver Mohammad Babul expressed his frustration, stating "It’s a matter of regret and shame. If they had paid us, we would have returned the kit bags. I have remained silent till now, but I must say that if they clear our dues, we will leave."
Players Stranded and Unpaid in BPL
The report also revealed that several overseas players have been left stranded in their hotel in Dhaka, as their payment deadlines were missed and team management failed to provide clear communication. Cricketers such as Mohammad Haris, Aftab Alam, Mark Deyal, Ryan Burl, and Miguel Cummins are still awaiting their salaries. While some have received partial payments, others remain completely unpaid.
Despite assurances from team owners that all outstanding payments would be cleared, several local players left the hotel without receiving their dues. The non-payment issue escalated, leading to players boycotting practice sessions, while foreign players refused to participate in group-stage matches. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced its intention to intervene, and the National Sports Council (NSC) set up a fact-finding committee to investigate. However, many foreign players are expected to leave Bangladesh without being paid.
Durbar Rajshahi had a disappointing season in BPL 2025, failing to qualify for the Playoffs. They won only six out of 12 matches, finishing fifth in the standings. Their campaign ended on January 27 in Dhaka with a match against Sylhet Strikers.
