Disputed Decision in Cricket Circle: Termination of Kings Franchise by Cricket Governing Body - Reasons Explained
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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has terminated the Chittagong Kings franchise from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to longstanding unpaid dues amounting to around 46 crore Bangladeshi Taka (approximately $3.7 million)[1][3][4][5]. This decision means the Kings are officially out of the BPL going forward[3][4].
Despite their financial troubles, the Kings had a strong 2025 BPL season, finishing as runners-up after a competitive campaign where they secured second place in the league stage and fought hard in the playoffs and final, narrowly losing to Fortune Barishal[1]. However, the financial disputes have overshadowed this success.
The franchise faced payment disputes with SQ Sports Enterprise Ltd., the former owners, who repeatedly failed to fulfill their financial and contractual responsibilities, including franchise fees, taxes, and player and staff salaries[1]. The owed amount includes unpaid dues from the 2012 and 2013 BPL seasons, outstanding payments from the 2025 season, and accumulated interest spanning 12 years[6]. Despite numerous reminders and legal actions since 2013, payments were not made by SQ Sports[6].
The BCB is now pursuing further legal measures against SQ Sports[6]. The future implications for the Chittagong Kings are currently very uncertain. Being terminated by the BCB effectively excludes them from future BPL participation unless they resolve the debt and restore their franchise rights[3][4][5]. The BCB is likely to seek a new franchise or restructure the league without the Kings until these issues are addressed[3][4][5].
Additional allegations from individuals such as Canadian model Yesha Sagar regarding unpaid dues hint at reputational damage and operational challenges the franchise may face beyond just financial penalties[2].
The Kings, who have had international cricketers like Moen Ali, Chris Gayle, and Angelo Matthews dawn their jersey, posted an imposing 194/3 in the final of the 2025 BPL season[1]. A highlight of the 2025 BPL season for the Chittagong Kings was a 45-run victory over the Khulna Tigers on January 16, with Graham Clark scoring 101 off 50 balls[1].
[1] The Daily Star [2] The Financial Express [3] Cricbuzz [4] ESPN Cricinfo [5] The Independent [6] The New York Times
The Chittagong Kings' presence in future editions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) may hinge on resolving their longstanding financial disputes, as their termination from the league due to unpaid dues has prevented them from participating going forward. Despite their impressive performance on the sports field, accumulated debts from as early as the 2012 and 2013 BPL seasons, alongside outstanding payments from the 2025 season, have overshadowed their success for the past 12 years.
