The Premier Hockey League concluded amidst controversy, with Mohammedan refusing to continue playing against Abahani on April 19, despite leading 3-2, resulting in the match being called off due to a brawl.
A playoff between Abahani and Mariners is expected next month, though the final outcome remains up in the air. In the midst of these hockey disputes, efforts are underway to kick off the second franchise hockey league, which could potentially begin in July if conditions are right. Yet, while the foreign participants of the inaugural franchise hockey league held last October-November were compensated, local players are still waiting for half of their promised pay. Aces, the entity that acquired the league rights, was responsible for these payments but failed to fulfill them due to a lack of funds from their sponsor. The Hockey Federation then assumed responsibility but has not yet managed to pay the players.
Mahbubul Ehsan, the Hockey Federation's joint secretary, revealed to the agencies that a few franchises from the previous season did not pay the full amount, leaving about a crore taka in arrears to the players. The Federation had planned to pay the players once it received the outstanding crore taka from the Metro Group franchise. However, the payment has not been made, and the players' dues remain unsettled.
It's been 17 months since the franchise league ended, and the failure to pay the players in full is unprecedented in the world of franchise sports. Typically, franchise leagues have a system to settle payments within a specified timeframe. But in Bangladesh's hockey scene, timely operations are a rarity! Players have reluctantly accepted the situation for the sake of the tournament's continuation. They are understandably disappointed about the unpaid dues but have refrained from taking any drastic measures. The players are willing to make concessions to ensure the second franchise tournament takes place.
Ashraful Islam, a national team defender who played for Walton Dhaka, has yet to receive half of his five lakh taka contract. Despite his disappointment, Ashraful is looking forward to the next tournament, "I received half the payment just before the start of the first tournament. The rest was supposed to follow after its conclusion. As far as I know, all local players are still owed half their fees, which is quite disheartening. We hope the Federation will engage with us in discussions. Our expectation is for the franchise league to proceed." Russell Mahmud Jimmy, who played for Monarch Mart Padma backed by cricketer Shakib Al Hasan's company, is also upset about not receiving half of his contract money. Nevertheless, he is willing to make concessions for the game's benefit.
"To my knowledge, a few franchises haven't paid in full. The title sponsor hasn't paid, resulting in outstanding payments to the players. However, the money isn't the main concern; we just want the game to continue. The first tournament was a great success. There were no issues. This league is an excellent initiative for hockey."
