DPL Clubs Face Budget Constraints

The upcoming season of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), scheduled to begin on 4 May under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), is set against a backdrop of widespread financial restraint among participating clubs, despite earlier player demands for structural and administrative changes within domestic cricket being partially addressed following changes in the BCB committee.

While the resumption of the league has been viewed by some as a positive development for players’ participation and organisation, the financial outlook across several clubs indicates a significant reduction in spending on player contracts compared to previous seasons.

Financial position of clubs

A number of clubs have already adjusted their recruitment strategies. Legends of Rupganj have reportedly cancelled contracts with national team players and remain uncertain about their participation in the league. Several other clubs, including Gulshan Cricket Club, Agrani Bank Cricket Club, Rupganj Tigers, Brothers Union, and Gazi Group Cricketers, are preparing to compete with reduced budgets, focusing primarily on emerging players.

In contrast, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, and Bashundhara Riders (Dhanmondi Sporting Club) are reportedly maintaining relatively stronger budgets and have recruited a mix of experienced and domestic players.

Gulshan Cricket Club president Khaled Mahmud Sujon stated that the club is operating under a strict financial plan. “We are a small-budget team. We will try to complete the league within around two crore taka. Some players will receive three lakh taka, others up to ten lakh. We cannot go beyond that,” he said.

Concerns over participation and motivation

Legends of Rupganj chairman Lutfar Rahman Badal has expressed uncertainty over his club’s participation and structure for the season. He stated, “We are not building a championship team. We have released players with whom we had agreements. We will decide what to do before the transfer window.”

He further noted that a final decision on participation is still pending, reflecting ongoing uncertainty within the club’s management structure.

Gazi Group Cricketers’ Chief Financial Officer, Salahuddin Chowdhury, acknowledged financial limitations, stating, “We are facing financial constraints.”

Team composition and competition outlook

Prime Bank Cricket Club, meanwhile, has assembled a squad combining senior and junior players. Head coach Talha Zubair said, “We have a strong balanced team. We have Mahmudullah Riyad, captain Akbar Ali, and players like Shamim Hossain Patwari, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Ariful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Abu Hider Rony, and Aliss Al Islam. We believe we can compete for the championship.”

Mohammedan Sporting Club, operating as a limited company, continues to maintain one of the stronger budgets in the league and has recruited several high-profile players, including Towhid Hridoy, along with other established cricketers.

Bashundhara Riders officials have indicated that team formation is underway and expected to be completed shortly. Defending champions Abahani Limited are also working within a restricted budget. Head coach Hannan Sarkar said, “We have a limited budget. We are trying to select the best possible players within that limit.”

Structural concern over league format

The absence of relegation this season has also influenced club strategies, with reports suggesting reduced competitive spending among several teams.

Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun expressed concern over the financial situation. He noted that although the league is proceeding after a period of instability, player remuneration remains low, with many cricketers likely to receive modest contracts. He also suggested that a return to a player draft system could be considered in future seasons to ensure more balanced financial distribution.

Club Budget Overview (Reported)