In a major development in Bangladesh cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially terminated the participation of a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise after a financial dispute worth 46 crore taka. The decision, which has shocked cricket fans and stakeholders alike, comes after weeks of tense negotiations between the board and the franchise owners over unpaid dues, contractual breaches, and alleged non-compliance with BPL regulations.
The Dispute in Detail
The 46 crore taka (approximately USD 3.9 million) dispute reportedly stems from unpaid franchise fees, player salaries, and operational expenses that the BCB claims the franchise failed to settle within the agreed timeline. According to sources, the board had issued multiple reminders and final notices to the franchise before resorting to termination.
The franchise, on its part, has allegedly cited financial hardships and sponsorship delays as the main reasons for the default. However, BCB officials have maintained that strict adherence to contractual terms is necessary to preserve the credibility of the BPL.
Timeline of the Controversy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | BCB issues first payment reminder to franchise |
| March 2025 | Sponsorship payment delays reported |
| May 2025 | Board sends final warning to settle dues |
| August 2025 | Franchise fails to clear 46 crore taka dues |
| August 2025 | BCB terminates franchise participation |
BCB’s Official Statement
A senior BCB official confirmed the termination, saying, “The Bangladesh Premier League is a professional tournament, and all franchises must meet their financial and operational obligations. Failure to comply undermines the league’s integrity and the trust of players, fans, and stakeholders.”
The official further stressed that such actions, while unfortunate, are essential to ensure the tournament remains financially sustainable and fair to all participating teams.
Impact on Players and Support Staff
The immediate fallout of this decision is being felt by the franchise’s contracted players, coaching staff, and support personnel. Many are now uncertain about their future in the ongoing and upcoming seasons.
Some local players have already approached BCB to seek reassignment to other teams, while foreign recruits are exploring possible legal options to claim their pending payments.
What Happens to the Team’s Fixtures?
BCB sources have indicated that the terminated franchise’s scheduled matches for the current season may either be reassigned to a new replacement team or removed entirely from the fixtures, depending on the timing and logistical feasibility.
If a replacement is brought in, it would likely be an interim franchise for the season, with a fresh bidding process to be conducted for the following year.
BPL’s History with Franchise Disputes
This is not the first time the BPL has faced such franchise-related issues. Over the years, the league has seen several ownership changes, disputes over payments, and legal battles.
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Match-fixing scandal involving multiple players and officials | Lifetime bans, stricter anti-corruption measures |
| 2015 | Payment disputes with two franchises | Teams replaced by new ownership |
| 2020 | Franchise disagreements over central contracts | League restructured with new terms |
Possible Legal Action
Industry insiders suggest the terminated franchise may take the matter to court, arguing that they were not given enough flexibility to resolve their financial issues. However, BCB’s legal team is confident that the termination is well within the contractual rights, given the repeated defaults and breach of financial obligations.
Economic Implications for the BPL
The removal of a franchise can have significant financial repercussions, including reduced sponsorship value, broadcasting complications, and potential dips in audience interest. However, some experts believe that decisive action will ultimately strengthen the league’s governance and send a clear message to all teams about the importance of meeting obligations.
Fan Reactions
On social media, reactions have been mixed. While some fans have applauded BCB for taking a strong stance, others have expressed disappointment at losing a competitive team from the tournament. Many are now concerned about how this will affect the competitiveness of the current BPL season.
The Road Ahead for BCB
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to hold a press conference in the coming days to outline the replacement plan for the franchise. Additionally, discussions are underway to introduce stricter financial checks and more robust sponsorship guarantee mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
Given the BPL’s role in promoting Bangladesh cricket internationally, ensuring the tournament’s smooth functioning remains a top priority for the board.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on current available reports and official statements from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The situation remains fluid, and further developments may change the course of events.
