In response to demands from clubs, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has suspended the activities of its Constitution Amendment Committee. Following this decision, the clubs have withdrawn their stance against participating in the First Division Cricket League, which is now set to begin on January 30 with 20 teams. The trophy unveiling will take place today. However, many players have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming they have yet to receive payments from the previous season.

At a press conference in Mirpur after a meeting with representatives from various Dhaka clubs, BCB Director and CCDM Chairman Salahuddin Chowdhury announced the updates. Discussions were also held about the Premier Cricket League, tentatively scheduled to start in the first week of March, with the player transfer window likely to occur from February 17 to 19. This season, in line with previous decisions, the league will proceed without foreign players.

Originally, the First Division Cricket League was set to begin on January 20, with the trophy unveiling planned for January 17. However, clubs had refused to participate, citing objections to certain proposals from the five-member Constitution Amendment Committee, led by BCB Director Nazmul Abedin. The clubs claimed the proposed changes would reduce their representation in the BCB’s general and executive committees. They demanded the withdrawal of the proposals and called for Nazmul Abedin’s resignation. As a result, the BCB suspended the committee’s activities during a board meeting on January 25.

While clubs have since agreed to participate in the league, some players have voiced frustration on social media about unpaid wages from the previous season. They accused club officials of neglecting their financial commitments and treating players unfairly. These complaints have gone largely unaddressed, with little discussion around dues for First Division cricketers, in contrast to the attention given to BPL players’ payments.

When asked about these allegations, Rafiqul Islam, convenor of the Dhaka Cricket Club Organizers’ Association, stated, “We haven’t received any such complaints. If any players have not been paid, the clubs will surely address the issue. No official would want to start the league while withholding players’ payments.” He also assured that efforts would be made to ensure players receive their promised wages.

Rafiqul Islam praised the BCB for swiftly resolving the crisis by suspending the Constitution Amendment Committee, stating, “We thank the BCB for their prompt action. The suspension or dissolution of the committee has resolved the issue.” He added that clubs have proposed increasing the number of club directors in the BCB from 12 to 16. Additionally, he suggested that councillors from districts and divisions where cricket activities are irregular should be excluded.

The First Division Cricket League is now set to kick off on January 30, marking the start of the new season.