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The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is no stranger to controversies, but this time, it has reached new levels of chaos. In a bizarre turn of events, a bus driver has locked up players’ kit bags, refusing to return them until he is paid his dues. This latest scandal only adds to the ongoing financial troubles plaguing the league.
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Durbar Rajshahi in Financial Meltdown
The BPL franchise Durbar Rajshahi has found itself at the heart of an embarrassing financial crisis. After already being linked to match-fixing allegations, the team is now under fire for failing to pay its players, support staff, and even hotel bills.
According to Cricbuzz, Rajshahi’s owner Shafiq Rahman had assured that travel arrangements were in place for foreign players to return home. However, as payments remained unsettled, several cricketers found themselves stranded in their hotel in Dhaka, unable to leave.
Among the affected players are:
- Mohammad Haris (Pakistan)
- Aftab Alam (Afghanistan)
- Mark Deyal (West Indies)
- Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe)
- Miguel Cummins (West Indies)
Despite multiple attempts to contact the team management, players have reportedly been met with silence, leaving them frustrated and uncertain about their next move.
Adding to the mess, local players and staff have also been left unpaid, forcing many to check out of their hotel rooms without receiving their pending salaries.
Bus Driver Takes Matters into His Own Hands
Amid the payment crisis, a new twist unfolded when the team’s bus driver, Mohammad Babul, took a drastic step to demand his wages.
“It’s shameful that we haven’t been paid yet. I’ve kept my silence for too long. Now, I’m speaking up—if they clear our payment, we will return the kits,” Babul told reporters outside the team hotel.
In a bold protest, Babul locked the players’ kit bags inside the team bus, refusing to hand them back until his dues were cleared. The act has only further highlighted the financial instability within the league.
A Season to Forget for Rajshahi
Durbar Rajshahi’s on-field performance was just as disappointing as their off-field troubles. They failed to qualify for the Playoffs, managing only six wins in 12 matches and finishing fifth in the standings. Their campaign ended on January 27 with a match against Sylhet Strikers in Dhaka.
With BPL 2025 now under scrutiny, this latest scandal raises serious questions about the league’s credibility and financial stability. As players and staff continue to seek their dues, the drama in Bangladesh cricket is far from over.
