Players being enticed before auction

Admin Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:11 pm

The players’ auction for the Bangladesh Premier League may turn into a mere formality as franchisees are involved in underhand dealing with players, it has been alleged. The BPL governing council planned to host the auction for both local and foreign players at a city hotel on January 19, but players confessed they have already been approached by the franchisees.

‘I was offered more money than my base price. But to get that money I was told to withdraw my name from the auction,’ said promising leg-spinner Nur Hossain. ‘But I refused the offer and decided to try my luck in the auction,’ said Hossain, a category C cricketer, whose bidding will start from $20,000. When contacted left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Jnr, he also said that he has been approached by franchisees, though none made any solid financial offer.

The allegation of pre-auction talks with players was evident in a comment of Athar Ali Khan, a Rajshahi official, who admitted that they are in touch with several players. ‘We are trying to contact several players,’ Athar told reporters during the logo unveiling ceremony of Duronto Rajshahi franchise. Asked if they are allowed to do this, an embarrassed Athar quickly withdrew his comment, though the secret was already leaked.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain, chairman of the BPL governing council, warned the players not to get involved in this kind of act and said they will take exemplary steps if they found anyone doing so. ‘No player should get involved in this kind of dealing and if it is proved then they will be sent home rather than playing in the tournament.’

Apurba007 Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:34 pm

great............... Cool