The forthcoming season of the Dhaka Premier League, set to commence on 4 May under the Bangladesh Cricket Board, is facing notable financial constraints across several participating clubs. Despite earlier movements by players demanding structural improvements in domestic cricket and subsequent administrative changes within the Board, the financial environment surrounding the league remains under pressure.
While the organisation of the league has been confirmed, club-level spending patterns indicate a widespread reduction in budgets, particularly among teams traditionally dependent on corporate or institutional funding.
Table of Contents
Reduced spending across multiple clubs
Several clubs have already scaled back their recruitment plans. Legends of Rupganj have terminated agreements with national team players and are still uncertain about their final participation in the competition. Other sides, including Gulshan Cricket Club, Agrani Bank Cricket Club, Rupganj Tigers, Brothers Union, and Gazi Group Cricketers, are preparing for the season with limited financial resources and a focus on emerging domestic talent rather than established international or national-level players.
In contrast, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, and Bashundhara Riders (Dhanmondi Sporting Club) are maintaining comparatively stronger budgets and have been able to assemble more competitive squads featuring experienced cricketers alongside younger players.
Gulshan Cricket Club president Khaled Mahmud Sujon outlined the club’s financial restrictions, stating that their total expenditure target is around two crore taka. He noted that player payments will vary significantly, with some receiving approximately three lakh taka and others up to ten lakh taka, while emphasising that the club cannot exceed its financial ceiling.
Uncertainty and internal considerations
Legends of Rupganj chairman Lutfar Rahman Badal has indicated that the club has released previously contracted players and is still assessing its approach to the league. He stated that a final decision regarding participation and team composition will be made before the transfer window closes, reflecting ongoing internal uncertainty.
Gazi Group Cricketers have also acknowledged financial difficulties. Chief Financial Officer Salahuddin Chowdhury confirmed that the organisation is operating under economic constraints, limiting its ability to compete for high-profile players.
Team building and competitive outlook
Prime Bank Cricket Club has taken a more structured approach by combining experienced and younger players. Head coach Talha Zubair said the squad includes senior cricketer Mahmudullah Riyad and captain Akbar Ali, alongside players such as Shamim Hossain Patwari, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Ariful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Abu Hider Rony, and Aliss Al Islam. He expressed confidence that the team is capable of challenging for the championship.
Mohammedan Sporting Club continues to operate with one of the stronger financial structures in the league and has recruited several prominent players, including Towhid Hridoy, to strengthen its squad. Bashundhara Riders officials have stated that their team formation process is ongoing and expected to be finalised shortly.
Defending champions Abahani Limited are also working within a restricted budget framework. Head coach Hannan Sarkar confirmed that player selection is being guided strictly by financial limitations while attempting to build the most balanced squad possible.
Financial overview of selected clubs
| Club | Budget Status | Key Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Legends of Rupganj | Uncertain / reduced | Contracts cancelled; participation unclear |
| Gulshan Cricket Club | Low budget | Spending capped around two crore taka |
| Agrani Bank Cricket Club | Low budget | Focus on emerging players |
| Rupganj Tigers | Low budget | Youth-oriented squad |
| Brothers Union | Low budget | Limited financial capacity |
| Gazi Group Cricketers | Financially constrained | Acknowledged internal limits |
| Mohammedan Sporting Club | Strong budget | Competitive squad with senior players |
| Prime Bank Cricket Club | Strong budget | Balanced experienced and young players |
| Bashundhara Riders | Moderate to strong | Squad formation ongoing |
| Abahani Limited | Restricted budget | Operating within tight constraints |
Broader concern over player remuneration
Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh president Mohammad Mithun has expressed concern regarding the prevailing financial situation. He observed that although the league is proceeding after a period of administrative uncertainty, player remuneration remains comparatively low across most teams. He also indicated that many players may have to accept modest contracts and suggested that future seasons could consider a return to a player draft system to ensure more balanced distribution and financial stability.