After the whole day of drama regarding Durbar Rajshahi cricketers’ non-payment issue on Wednesday, the team’s official assured around midnight that 50 percent payments of all players will be settled by Thursday. 

Jayed Ahmed, in-charge of Durbar Rajshahi, in a video statement acknowledged the delay and apologised for that. But he also claimed that the team management had earlier committed to settle the payments by 16 January and there was no connection with players’ skipping practice to that.

"The news we have seen throughout the day regarding practice and payments is not accurate. The team management has already committed to ensuring that all players will receive their payments by tomorrow, January 16. This has no connection with the practice schedule,” Jayed said. 

“When we traveled from Sylhet to Chattogram, some players got off in Dhaka to rest. We haven’t had the full squad together in Chattogram. A few arrived last night, some came today, and 1-2 players are still yet to join. The management approved their rest upon request, which was the only reason. Regarding payments, I assure you that everyone will receive theirs tomorrow without any doubt," he added.  

"We acknowledge the delay in payments, and we apologize for this. It should not have happened. Tomorrow, Thursday, 25% of the payment will be given in cash, and checks for another 25% will also be issued. In total, 50% of the payments will be settled."  

But why such delay and why the cheques were bounced?

"About the bounced checks, let me clarify: during one match, our team owner’s wife was injured by a ball on the sidelines, which resulted in a fractured bone. She was immediately taken to Bangkok for treatment and remained there. The checks were issued earlier, but as she informed us that she was out of the country, we asked the players not to deposit them until her return,” he answered.

Durbar Rajshahi will have their final training at the M A Aziz Stadium on Thursday before their match against Sylhet Strikers on Friday.