Saifuddin Opens Up on BPL Salary Delay and Mental Toll on Players

Mohammad Saifuddin has lifted the lid on one of the more troubling aspects of the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season—the delayed salaries for Dhaka Capitals players—and revealed how the financial uncertainty took a significant mental toll on the squad.

The Relief of Payment, But Lingering Stress

While the situation has since been resolved, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stepping in to ensure payments were made, Saifuddin emphasized that receiving the money weeks after the tournament ended doesn’t erase the anxiety players endured during the competition.

In a recent interview with BDCricTime, the all-rounder confirmed that the players’ salaries were finally cleared, thanks in part to intervention from key figures within the cricket community. “First of all, Alhamdulillah, even though there were some complications in the beginning, BCB eventually cleared our payments,” Saifuddin said.

Credit Where It’s Due

Saifuddin made a point to acknowledge those who played a role in resolving the issue. He expressed gratitude toward Tamim Iqbal, former BCB officials, Ifthekhar Rahman Mithu, and particularly Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB).

“I especially want to thank Tamim bhai, the people from the previous board, Mithu bhai who worked a lot on this issue, and especially Mithun bhai, our CWAB president. He also put in a lot of effort when we players were not getting our money. Alhamdulillah, we received the payments around 15 to 20 days ago.”

Mental Burden Affects On-Field Performance

But for Saifuddin, the resolution came too late to undo the emotional and psychological strain felt during the tournament. He candidly admitted that the constant worry over unpaid salaries directly impacted player focus and performance.

“To be honest, these things affect your game,” he explained. “A lot of us were mentally stuck in uncertainty while playing matches. Since BPL games usually finish quickly in one venue, players kept thinking whether we would get paid or not. Everyone knows once a tournament ends, it becomes difficult to contact many people. That’s why we were always in doubt, and naturally it affects performances too.”

The issue highlights a broader concern in domestic T20 leagues worldwide—where logistical and financial disorganization can overshadow athletic achievement. For professional athletes, especially those relying on tournament earnings, such instability can create real hardship.

Other Topics: Shoaib Akhtar and Tamim’s Future

During the same interview, Saifuddin touched on a few other subjects. When asked about his brief interaction with Shoaib Akhtar during a photoshoot, he clarified that there had been no further contact. “No, we only met that one time during the shooting. After that, we didn’t meet again. “

He was also asked whether he sees Tamim Iqbal taking on a leadership role in the BCB in the future. Saifuddin noted that the former captain is currently wrapped up in personal and professional commitments. “To be honest, he’s very busy these days. If I see him somewhere, maybe I greet him, but I usually don’t call or message because he remains occupied with many things. Insha’Allah, if we meet in person someday, we’ll talk properly.”

As the dust settles on this year’s BPL season, Saifuddin’s comments serve as a reminder that behind the sixes and wickets, there are human stories of stress, resilience, and the urgent need for better financial accountability in professional cricket.