MSC election promises stand amid players’ suffering

The much-anticipated election of Mohammedan Sporting Club was formally announced on Monday with detailed schedules and assurances of a “free, fair and credible” process. Yet, even as officials outlined dates and deadlines, a starkly different reality unfolded on the training ground, where senior players boycotted practice over unpaid salaries.

The squad had been scheduled to train at 2:30pm ahead of the second phase of the Bangladesh Football League. Instead, senior footballers refused to take the field. A few junior players began light warm-up drills but soon walked off as well.

Initially, there was no official explanation. The reason behind the boycott, however, gradually emerged.

“Players are not receiving their salaries properly. We’ve tolerated everything despite being in a very bad situation,” a Mohammedan footballer said on condition of anonymity.

The player revealed that payments were meant to be cleared after the first phase of the league. Instead, players received travel allowances and repeated assurances only.

“We were told the club would arrange the payments after we returned home. Then we were told things would be fine after the national election. Now we’re hearing that payments will be made after the club election. This cannot go on like this.”

Financial uncertainty, once occasional, now appears persistent. 

During the first phase of the league, players had already voiced frustration over delayed payments.

“Previously, players would receive a substantial amount at the beginning maybe TK10 to 20 lakh something they could rely on for the year. Now that doesn’t happen,” the player continued. 

“Even monthly salaries are not fully paid. If someone earns 15,000 Taka, he gets 10,000. Some haven’t even received 50%. It’s Ramadan month. We have families. We have expenses. Everyone needs money. That’s why the senior players boycotted practice.”

“They’re young and have careers ahead of them. We didn’t want to put them in trouble,” he added.

Ironically, these events coincided with the formal declaration of the club’s election schedule. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Ruhul Quddus Kajol, serving as Chief Election Commissioner, confirmed that the election will be held on 9 March at Dhaka Club Limited. A total of 371 members - three donors and 368 permanent - will be eligible to vote. Nomination papers will be distributed on 24 and 25 February, submitted on 1 March, scrutinised on 3 March, and the final candidate list published on 4 March.

When asked about unpaid salaries at the press conference, AGM Preparation Committee Member Secretary and former Director-in-Charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan declined to comment.

“I do not want to answer any questions regarding internal matters of the club at this moment,” he said. 

“Please keep today’s discussion limited to the purpose of this event. I will respond separately about the players’ payments but not here.”

Tuesday’s training remains shrouded in uncertainty, with questions over whether senior players will return to practice. Meanwhile, the club’s electoral drumbeat continues despite the facts there is doubts whether MSC can bring professionalism following the election remains to be seen. But one thing looks certain - the relationship with players and club organisers are going down the line for quite some time as some of the cricketers who took part in the last edition of Dhaka Premier League (DPL) are yet to receive their payment.

It is worth noting that the last Mohammedan Sporting Club election was held almost five years ago, on 6 March 2021.