Brothers Union forfeit DPL match because of non-payment of dues

Brothers Union have conceded a walkover against Agrani Bank in their Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Savar. The Brothers Union players took the drastic step after the club officials refused to pay their due amounts, according to offspinner Sohag Gazi.

The umpires Moniruzzaman and Shafeen Shareef determined the unusual result of the match after the Brothers Union captain Zahiduzzaman didn't turn up for the toss with match referee Enayet Chowdhury present in the middle.

According to clause 16.15.2 of the DPL's bylaws, a team that concedes a walkover in a match "will be considered as one of the relegated team" from the competition. The team also has to return the financial grant it received from the BCB, in addition to a fine of BDT 20,000 (US$ 160 approx.). More repercussions include the players' runs and wickets being removed from the tournament statistics, according to the bylaws.

"We didn't get our due amounts despite repeated requests," Gazi said. "When there was disagreement before the start of today's match, the team manager told us off. We were also subjected to humiliation by other team officials.

"We were paid 20% of our total amount at the start of the league, but we didn't get the next 30% before Eid [at the end of May]. We kept requesting since all of us needed the money to sacrifice an animal which is our religious obligation during this Eid. We are really struggling financially."

Gazi said that the Brothers Union players even tried to concede half their payment for the sake of receiving some money, but still couldn't convince the team officials.

"When we were seeking a meeting with the club official, he made us wait at his reception for three hours," he said. "Then he handed us small envelopes that contained amounts ranging from BDT 6,000 to 35,000 ($50 to 280 approx.). We returned the money. The players even told the officials that if Brothers Union is relegated, we will not ask for 50% of the money, but at least give us the rest. We were met with more abuse."

For the past few seasons, Brothers Union players have raised the payment issue with the BCB. While short-term payments are made on occasions, a long-term solution was never arrived at. If Brothers Union are relegated to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League, the payment matter will again most likely be swept under the carpet.

Click here to read article