'If you have money, take a team but if you don't, then don't' - Dawid Malan on BPL payment crisis

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is facing severe backlash after multiple franchises have failed to pay salaries to their players on time. Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings are two of the teams which are struggling with this issue in the 11th season of the franchise league. Due to unpaid wages, foreign players from Durbar Rajshahi refused to play a match on Sunday, January 26.

Former England batter Dawid Malan, who plays for Fortune Barishal, has spoken out for players who are not getting their dues. After winning the Player of the Match award for scoring a fine half-century in Barishal's five-wicket victory against Khulna Tigers on Monday, Malan shared his views about the non-payment of salaries in a press conference.

The southpaw lambasted the franchises which have deprived their players of their wages and suggested that stricter rules be applied to address the issue.

"Wherever you play, you want the basics to be done right. Our job is to play cricket, and someone else's job is to ensure we're paid," Malan said in a press conference.

"If you have money, take a team. If you don't, then don't—it's as simple as that. These issues shouldn't happen, and it's something that can be easily controlled," he added.

While Malan clarified that there was no such issue in the Fortune Barishal setup, he stood in solidarity with the players from the other teams in the league.

Khulna Tigers' Australian batter William Bosisto spoke along the same lines as Malan. While confirming that he has been paid on time by his franchise, Bosisto acknowledged the bigger problems within the tournament.

"It's disappointing to hear about such issues elsewhere. As players, our responsibility is to perform and give 100%, while the team owners must honor contracts. Thankfully, Khulna has been great so far," said Bosisto.

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When the caravan had moved to Chattogram earlier this month, some Rajshahi players revolted by boycotting a practice session. Overseas players skipped playing a match to amplify the problems.

Cricket enthusiasts have called for immediate action from the BPL higher-ups on franchises like Chittagong Kings and Durbar Rajshahi, so that the reputation of the tournament doesn't get tarnished further.