Players play for money: Miraz

Agency :

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 was expected to be a tournament defined by on-field performances, but instead, it has been overshadowed by off-field controversies. Fans had hoped for a high-quality competition, but player payment disputes have taken center stage, drawing more attention than the actual cricket.

The issue has reached an unprecedented level in BPL history, with multiple franchises facing severe criticism over unpaid wages. The most controversial case involves Durbar Rajshahi, while Chittagong Kings have also been accused of similar misconduct.

As a result, players are now being asked about financial disputes rather than cricket in press conferences.

Khulna Tigers captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also had to address the issue during his media appearance. Acknowledging the situation, he stated,

“Of course, it feels bad. At the end of the day, we play cricket for money. If we don’t get paid, it’s frustrating for every player. Since the cricket board is our guardian, we expect them to take responsibility and discuss the matter with franchise owners. If issues arise, I believe the board will come up with a good solution.”

Unlike other teams, Khulna Tigers have managed to avoid such disputes. Miraz confirmed that his franchise has already cleared 40% of player payments, with another 30-35% expected this week.

“I spoke with [team owner] Iqbal Bhai, and he assured me that within this week, they will clear another portion of the payments. So, we are close to receiving around 70% of our dues.”