Payment safeguards in place, says Mithu after Amir issue

Bangla Press Desk:  On Saturday, Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council member Iftekhar Rahman Mithu sought to allay concerns over foreign players’ payments after Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir reportedly left the tournament amid uncertainty surrounding his remaining dues, insisting that contractual safeguards are in place to protect players’ interests.

Responding to questions on whether such incidents damage the BPL’s image, Mithu said the matter was already under review. “I don’t know to what extent it is damaging. I have checked, as it also came to my notice. I checked with the Sylhet franchise and asked them for their documents,” he said.

According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director, the franchise confirmed that Amir had already received a significant portion of his agreed fee. “What they have confirmed is that they have paid him 75 per cent and, based on team combination, they did not want to continue with him. Now we will look at the contract and the documents to see how much payment has been made,” he explained.

When asked directly whether Amir had been paid in full, Mithu replied plainly: “They have paid 75 per cent.”

He added that the remaining payment would be determined strictly according to contractual terms. “The rest will depend on what is written in the contract. We will review the contract. If it says that the full amount must be paid regardless of the number of matches played, or if it is match-based, it will be handled according to the contract,” he said.

Mithu emphasised that the BPL governing council has built-in mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. “We have kept safeguards in place in the contract. So Amir has nothing to worry about,” he said, calling the confirmation of the 75 per cent payment a positive sign.

The governing member further revealed that the Sylhet franchise is yet to submit all required paperwork. “They have told us they have not yet submitted the documents, which we have requested — both the contract and proof of payment that Amir has acknowledged receiving. After that, we will check with Amir and take the necessary steps,” Mithu added.

Reiterating the board’s stance, he concluded: “As we have said before, we are here to protect the interests of the players.”

BP/SP