DPL Clubs Cut Spending Amid Crisis

The upcoming season of the Dhaka Premier League, beginning on 4 May under the Bangladesh Cricket Board, is set to take place amid widespread financial cutbacks among participating clubs. Although administrative changes within the board had earlier raised expectations of improved conditions for players, club-level investment has instead declined in many cases.

While preparations for the tournament are continuing, most clubs are operating under tighter budgets than in previous seasons, affecting player recruitment and contract values across the competition.

Widespread budget reductions

Several teams have significantly reduced their spending plans. Legends of Rupganj have cancelled contracts with national team players and remain undecided about their participation in the league. Other clubs, including Gulshan Cricket Club, Agrani Bank Cricket Club, Rupganj Tigers, Brothers Union, and Gazi Group Cricketers, are expected to compete with limited financial resources and a focus on inexperienced or emerging cricketers rather than established names.

On the other hand, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, and Bashundhara Riders (Dhanmondi Sporting Club) are reportedly maintaining relatively stronger financial positions and are building more competitive squads with a blend of senior and younger players.

Gulshan Cricket Club president Khaled Mahmud Sujon confirmed that the club is operating within strict financial limits. He stated that the total budget is expected to remain close to two crore taka, with player payments ranging from around three lakh taka to ten lakh taka depending on experience and role.

Participation uncertainty and financial pressure

Legends of Rupganj chairman Lutfar Rahman Badal has indicated that the club has released players with whom it previously had agreements and is yet to finalise its participation strategy. He said a decision will be made ahead of the player transfer window, leaving the club’s direction for the season uncertain.

Gazi Group Cricketers have also acknowledged financial difficulties. Chief Financial Officer Salahuddin Chowdhury stated that the organisation is facing economic constraints that limit its ability to construct a high-profile squad.

Squad building across clubs

Prime Bank Cricket Club has adopted a balanced recruitment approach, combining experienced and young players. Head coach Talha Zubair confirmed the inclusion of Mahmudullah Riyad and captain Akbar Ali, along with players such as Shamim Hossain Patwari, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Ariful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Abu Hider Rony, and Aliss Al Islam. He stated that the team is being assembled with the aim of competing for the title.

Mohammedan Sporting Club continues to benefit from a stronger financial base and has secured several prominent cricketers, including Towhid Hridoy. Bashundhara Riders officials have stated that their squad formation is in progress and will be completed in due course.

Defending champions Abahani Limited are also operating under financial restrictions. Head coach Hannan Sarkar noted that the team is being built strictly within budget limitations while attempting to maintain competitive balance.

Budget status of selected clubs

Concerns over player earnings

Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh president Mohammad Mithun has expressed concern about the financial condition of the league. He noted that although the competition is proceeding after a period of uncertainty, player salaries remain relatively low across most teams. He added that many cricketers may have to accept modest contracts and suggested that a return to a structured player draft system could be considered in future seasons to improve financial balance and distribution.