Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed that they have accepted the rights of Chattogram Royals for the remainder of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
PCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain, a member of the PPL governing body, has asked Royals owner Qaim Rashed to take measures against the board due to the problems in managing the team in the current situation.
“We have taken ownership of the team and now the board will run it,” Shakhawat said. We will meet the players soon to discuss the next steps,” he said.
According to a letter submitted by Rashed, the franchise has struggled to attract sponsors amid widespread media speculation about its financial and operational stability.
Although not contractually required at that stage, rumors of unpaid franchise fees, bank guarantees and player payments had severely damaged the team’s reputation, the letter said.
“These rumors gained traction on multiple platforms and led to many potential and confirmed sponsors withdrawing their support. The resulting financial challenges directly affected the team’s production and jeopardized its future in the tournament,” the letter added.
BCB officials noted that the franchise’s early association with controversial figures further damaged its credibility in the sponsorship market.
To stabilize the team, former national captain Habibul Bashar will act as the guide while Mizanur Rahman Babul and Nafeez Iqbal will act as team managers.
Bashar initially stepped down as mentor, citing family reasons, although sources said the involvement of dubious figures in the franchise influenced his decision.
The move comes after several Royals players walked out of their team hotel on Wednesday, December 25, citing unpaid dues.
With the BPL starting in Sylhet on December 26, BCB’s intervention ensures that the team can continue in the tournament.