The Bangladesh Cricket Board has seized control of the Chattogram Royals franchise right before the tournament starts. Owner Kayum Rashed asked the board to take over, citing severe financial trouble from a lack of sponsors due to damaging rumors about team integrity. BCB official Iftekhar Rahman Mithu confirmed the board will cover all player auction costs, securing funding to guarantee payments.
This move aims to protect players and keep the league running smoothly, after threats from Royals players to boycott over unpaid fees. The board installed former captain Habibul Bashar as team mentor, with Mizanur Rahman Babul as head coach and Nafees Iqbal as manager. Bashar acknowledged the last-minute challenge but said they are working with limited preparation time.
The franchise faced multiple issues, including logistics problems, key overseas player withdrawals, and management scrutiny. A photo emerged linking the team to Amin Khan, a figure connected to a previous discredited franchise, though the Royals denied a formal sponsorship. The BCB's anti-corruption unit is actively pursuing Amin over past integrity concerns. The unit also intervened to stop the recruitment of player Hamza Tariq, who was sent home without joining the squad.
The team currently has only two foreign players, creating a significant roster gap. The board suspended individual Saminur Rahman, reportedly linked to Amin, and requested his official release letter.
This move aims to protect players and keep the league running smoothly, after threats from Royals players to boycott over unpaid fees. The board installed former captain Habibul Bashar as team mentor, with Mizanur Rahman Babul as head coach and Nafees Iqbal as manager. Bashar acknowledged the last-minute challenge but said they are working with limited preparation time.
The franchise faced multiple issues, including logistics problems, key overseas player withdrawals, and management scrutiny. A photo emerged linking the team to Amin Khan, a figure connected to a previous discredited franchise, though the Royals denied a formal sponsorship. The BCB's anti-corruption unit is actively pursuing Amin over past integrity concerns. The unit also intervened to stop the recruitment of player Hamza Tariq, who was sent home without joining the squad.
The team currently has only two foreign players, creating a significant roster gap. The board suspended individual Saminur Rahman, reportedly linked to Amin, and requested his official release letter.
