Bangladesh cricket continues to be embroiled in controversies as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) struggles with financial disbursements. Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has not been paid his salary for the last four months of 2024, despite being under a central contract.
BCB yet to clear Shakib’s dues
According to a Cricbuzz report, the BCB has not paid Shakib’s salary from September to December 2024. The board attributes the delay to his bank account being frozen, making transactions difficult.
A BCB official confirmed the issue, stating, “It’s true that he (Shakib) is yet to receive salary for September, October, November, and December, and that is largely due to the fact that his bank account got frozen.”
Shakib is reportedly owed 48 lakh BDT (excluding taxes), which was agreed upon during a February 2024 board meeting, when the BCB extended his central contract across all three formats.
Legal troubles and pending dues
Shakib had earlier announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is while touring India, and was expected to play his final Test against South Africa at home. However, he could not feature in the match. Additionally, after the fall of the Bangladesh government, Shakib was allegedly accused in a murder case, but the BCB allowed him to continue playing until proven guilty.
Back in November 2024, reports surfaced that his accounts had been frozen, further complicating the payment process. BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin assured that the board remains committed to settling Shakib’s payments. “He (Shakib) will get his salary as per the agreement because whether you play or not, there is an agreement in place, and certainly, we will try to fulfill our commitment as per the agreement,” he told Cricbuzz.
BCB announces salary hikes amid financial issues
Despite these setbacks, the BCB recently announced an increase in player salaries and match fees. However, unresolved payment issues like Shakib’s pending dues continue to raise concerns over the board’s financial management.
