Durbar Rajshahi owner promises to clear dues following payment controversy

Md Shafiq Rahman, the owner of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durbar Rajshahi, has pledged to settle all outstanding payments for the team’s players, support staff, and other related expenses by February 10. This promise came after concerns regarding unpaid dues and rumors about the owner possibly fleeing the scene, which led to government intervention.

In a media release from the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Monday, it was revealed that Shafiq had previously assured sports adviser Asif Mahmud that 50 percent of the payments would be completed by February 2. However, when he failed to meet this deadline and rumors began circulating, the government took action. Law enforcement agencies detained Shafiq in the early hours of Monday for questioning.

According to the release, Shafiq admitted his mistake and committed to clearing the dues in three installments of 25 percent each, with the first installment due on February 3, followed by the next on February 7, and the final payment on February 10. He also assured that all involved with the team, including players and support staff, would receive their payments in these installments. The release further warned that legal actions would be taken if Shafiq failed to fulfill these commitments.

Durbar Rajshahi, a new addition to the 11th edition of the BPL, has made headlines this season due to its ongoing payment issues, which have harmed the league's global reputation. Overseas players have reportedly been stranded in their Dhaka hotel because they have not received their payments or daily allowances. There have also been reports of unpaid bills for the hotel and team bus, which have circulated widely on social media.

On the field, Durbar Rajshahi narrowly missed a spot in the top four, finishing fifth in the points table after the league phase.