Off-field hurdles, on-field optimism

As the newest edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is quickly approaching, the old problems from previous seasons -- payments delays and last-minute scrambling for overseas cricketers -- have returned.

The grand opening ceremony in Dhaka had already been scrapped owing to security concerns, and on Wednesday, the pre-season captain's photoshoot with the trophy was also been canned. Even amid all this, the players remain hopeful of a vibrant BPL.

Payment concerns resurface

Payment issues that plagued last season's BPL have resurfaced as several franchises have not cleared 25 percent of players' total payments -- as required under tournament bylaws -- with just two days remaining before the opening fixtures.

A Chattogram Royals' player told The Daily Star on Wednesday, "No payments have been made." Sources from Sylhet Titans indicated that payments were due and a source from Noakhali Express also revealed that payments were yet to be made.

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Full Fixtures of BPL 12

Dhaka Capitals skipper Mohammad Mithun confirmed during a press conference that his team had received 25 percent of their payments, a claim corroborated by several players.

Rangpur Riders' media department confirmed that 50 percent of payments to local players have been completed. Rajshahi Warriors' media officials said 25 percent payment has been made, along with nine days' Travelling Allowance and Dearness Allowance (TADA) for both local and foreign players--a claim supported by two players.

Foreign player crisis hits Chattogram

With less than 36 hours to go before BPL 12 gets underway, Chattogram are yet to welcome any of their overseas player and even head coach Justin Kemp has not arrived as of Wednesday.

Chattogram had roped in Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed as a direct signing and bought Sri Lanka's Niroshan Dickwella and Angelo Perera at the auction and post-auction, they confirmed Irish batter Paul Stirling, South Africa's Cameron Delport and Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam and Mirza Tahir Baig.

However, apart from Delport, Kamran and Mirza -- who themselves are yet to reach Dhaka -- the rest have opted out.

Meanwhile, Noakhali's Sri Lankan recruit Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the tournament owing to injury. Pakistani recruits Hassan Eisakhil and Haider Ali have arrived and the franchise is hopeful that a few more overseas players will join in Sylhet on Thursday.

No captains' photoshoot

BPL officials confirmed on Wednesday that there will be no captains' photoshoot before the tournament this season.

Officials also said heavy security measures have been put in place in Sylhet, where franchises are holding their final practice sessions ahead of the tournament opener.

Players remain upbeat

Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichchane, who last played in the BPL in 2019 and will represent Rajshahi, expressed optimism about his side's chances.

"The kind of potential our team is carrying, the local players have to step up. Here in Rajshahi Warriors, I find it amazing. I know most of the guys since we played against each other in the past as well. The team is shaping up nicely and they are all excited to give their best," he said.

Meanwhile, Rangpur Riders' Khushdil Shah wants to replicate his last year's performance for the same team. "I have performed for every team I have played for [in BPL], and it is definitely lucky for me because I made my comeback to the Pakistan team after I performed well here last year. Inshallah, I will try to perform well this year as well and help my team win."