The legal action threat issued by the Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) to the Bangladesh Cricket Board over non-payment of dues to the players who took part in the Bangladesh Premier League apparently has had its effects. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said he finally received his dues from the BPL two days back in full.
“I got my full dues two days back from the BPL,” said Afridi, who was one of the most expensive players purchased in the players bid for the tournament that was held early this year in Bangladesh. As many as 20 Pakistani players represented different franchises in the BPL that was won by Dhaka Gladiators — the team that signed on Afridi. FICA chief executive Tim May had few days back sent a letter to the BCB President Mustafa Kamal, asking him to clear the dues of all overseas and local players who took part in the BPL within five days or face legal action. Afridi, who only played in the semi-final and final for Dhaka and had a price of around USD 700,000 in the bid, said he had enjoyed his experience of playing in the BPL. Another player, who was awaiting his dues but didn’t wish to be identified, also confirmed to have received his dues. “Yes I have come to know that other players have also started receiving their dues from Bangladesh,” he said. FICA stepped in after several overseas players, including Australians, who played in the BPL claimed that the franchises had not fulfilled their promise of clearing their full payments within 45 days after the last match of the BPL. A source in the Pakistan Cricket Board reported to have said that even at the board level Mustafa Kamal had been requested to step in and get the issue of outstanding dues resolved.
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards have taken a nosedive since the BCB pulled out of a short tour to Lahore to play a ODI and T20 match in late April. In another controversy, former captain Mohammad Yousuf was embroiled in a dispute with the Dhaka League organizers over a NOC issued to him by his former club.
