Durbar Rajshahi owner promises to clear all dues by 10 February

Md Shafiq Rahman, the owner of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durbar Rajshahi, has pledged to settle all outstanding payments to players, support staff, and related parties by 10 February, according to a media release from the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Monday.

The statement revealed that Shafiq had previously assured Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud of completing 50 per cent of the payments by 2 February. However, after failing to fulfil this commitment and amid growing rumours suggesting he might abscond, the government intervened. Shafiq was subsequently detained and interrogated by law enforcement agencies in the early hours of Monday.

"Shafiq admitted his fault and promised to clear all dues in three instalments of 25 per cent each on 3, 7, and 10 February," the media release stated. "He also assured that payments would be made not only to the players but to everyone involved with the team in each instalment. Failure to comply will result in necessary legal actions being taken against him."

Durbar Rajshahi, a new entrant in the 11th edition of the BPL, has been embroiled in controversy throughout the season due to persistent non-payment issues, which have tarnished the league's global reputation.

Reports suggest that the franchise's overseas players have been stranded in their hotel in Dhaka due to unpaid salaries and daily allowances. Additionally, allegations regarding unpaid dues to the hotel and even the team bus have surfaced on social media.

On the field, Rajshahi narrowly missed out on a place in the top four, finishing fifth in the points table after the league phase.