Brothers Union Forfeit DPL Game Over Unpaid Salaries and Drop Into Relegation Zone

Brothers Union forfeited their Dhaka Premier League match against Agrani Bank after their players refused to take the field in protest over unpaid dues.

What happened

The squad reached the venue but declined to play, and captain Zahiduzzaman did not come out for the toss. Officials awarded a walkover to Agrani Bank.

The pay dispute

Salary problems have reportedly recurred at the club for several seasons. Players have repeatedly raised delayed and outstanding payments with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Part-payments were made at times, but the players say no lasting solution has been found.

Former Bangladesh international Sohag Gazi, who is in the squad, said the boycott was a collective decision after repeated efforts to settle the matter with club authorities failed. He said months of delays, including missed commitments around Eid, left players with no other option. According to him, installments were promised but often only small sums arrived, leaving many players struggling with rent and household costs. The squad also approached the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh, but nothing was resolved. Players added that meetings and waiting in the lead-up to Eid did not bring proper payment, which deepened the frustration.

Penalties

Under Clause 16.15.2 of the DPL regulations, a team that concedes a walkover is automatically placed in the relegation zone. Brothers Union must also return their BCB grant and pay a fine of BDT 20,000.

Every run and wicket recorded by their players in the competition will also be removed from the official statistics.