BCB to hold urgent meeting on BPL payments and Dhaka clubs’ demands

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has called for an urgent meeting on Saturday, January 25, to address several important issues that have been causing tension with Dhaka’s cricket clubs. 

One major topic of discussion will be the ongoing dispute about changes to the BCB‍‍`s constitution, which could lead to significant decisions being made. 

The meeting will take place at the Home of Cricket in Mirpur and will begin at 3 PM. Unlike the last meeting, which was held online, this time, all members have been asked to attend in person.

A key issue that will be discussed during the meeting is the payment concerns related to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Since Faruque Ahmed became the president of the BCB, meetings have become more common within the cricket community. 

Previously, these meetings were rare, but under his leadership, there have been several, with the last meeting being held in December 2024. Over a month later, another meeting has been called, and this time, everyone is required to attend in person.

This meeting is especially significant as it comes during the ongoing BPL. One of the most pressing issues is the stand taken by Dhaka‍‍`s cricket clubs.

Recently, the clubs, united under the CCDM’s 78 clubs, have raised concerns over the BCB’s proposed constitutional amendments. 

A committee was formed by the board, with Nazmul Abedin Fahim leading the charge, but the proposed changes sparked widespread criticism. 

The clubs have made it clear that unless the proposal to reduce the number of club councilors is reconsidered, the First Division and Premier League will not take place. 

This has put players in a difficult position. 

In response, club representatives and players met with Faruque Ahmed, who promised that a final decision would be made at this upcoming board meeting.

The clubs are also demanding the resignation of Nazmul Abedin Fahim, who heads the reform committee, and the cancellation of the committee itself. 

This issue will also be discussed in the meeting, though Fahim will not be attending as he is currently in Malaysia with the U-19 Women’s World Cup team. 

The relationship between Fahim and Faruque Ahmed has been tense for a while, and it’s been speculated that Faruque may use the clubs’ demands as an opportunity to make changes to the reform committee.

Another hot topic for the meeting is the issue of payments in the BPL. 

BCB is still waiting for the promised money from the franchises, and some franchises have been slow to pay the players their salaries and other dues.

The board has already faced embarrassment over the Rajshahi situation, and there are also issues with Chittagong regarding payments to an overseas player. 

Sources inside the BCB have confirmed that the board will take tough decisions on these franchises.

The meeting will also cover the Standing Committee of the BCB and ongoing discussions about central contracts for players.