In a decisive early move aimed at reshaping the financial landscape of domestic cricket in Bangladesh, Tamim Iqbal has overseen a significant pay overhaul for both men and women players under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The changes come just days after a major administrative shake-up, signalling a clear intent by the new leadership to prioritise player welfare and address long-standing concerns around underpayment.
Tamim, who recently took charge as the youngest head of the BCB following the dissolution of the previous board, is leading an 11-member ad-hoc committee tasked with stabilising and reforming Bangladesh cricket within a short transitional window. His appointment came after government intervention highlighted irregularities in earlier board elections, prompting a reset in governance.
One of the committee’s first actions has been to substantially increase domestic earnings, particularly in the women’s game, which has historically suffered from low financial support. Until recently, women cricketers in Bangladesh were earning as little as BDT 1,000 per match in domestic competitions, an amount that drew sharp concern from Tamim himself upon review.
Under the revised structure, women players will now earn BDT 10,000 for T20 matches, BDT 15,000 for one-day games, and BDT 20,000 for longer-format matches. This marks a multi-fold increase across formats and reflects a conscious effort to uplift the standard of women’s cricket in the country. Additionally, the monthly salaries of the top 30-35 contracted domestic women cricketers have been raised from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000.
While acknowledging that the revised figures are still not ideal, Tamim stressed that the increments represent a step in the right direction. He pointed out structural limitations, including the need to maintain a gap between domestic and national contract salaries, which influenced the scale of the hike.
The men’s domestic structure has also undergone a notable revision. Salaries for contracted players have nearly doubled in some categories. Category A players will now receive BDT 65,000 per month, up from approximately BDT 35,000, while Category B and C players will earn BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000 respectively.
Match fees in first-class cricket have also been increased significantly, rising from BDT 70,000 to BDT 100,000 per match. This move is expected to provide greater financial stability to players competing in Bangladesh’s premier domestic red-ball tournaments such as the National Cricket League (NCL) and Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL).
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Tamim did not hold back in his assessment of the previous system, describing domestic players as “highly underpaid” despite being the backbone of the country’s cricketing ecosystem. He emphasised that the existence and growth of cricket in Bangladesh is built on the efforts of these players, making fair compensation a necessity rather than a luxury.
Importantly, the new salary structure will be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2026, ensuring players benefit from the revised pay scale for the entire ongoing season.
Beyond financial reforms, the new BCB leadership is also focused on resolving operational challenges, including the ongoing stalemate between domestic clubs and the board. Efforts are underway to resume the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, one of the country’s most domestic competitions, which has faced delays due to administrative tensions.
The salary revision represents more than just a financial adjustment, it signals a philosophical shift in how domestic cricket is valued in Bangladesh. For women cricketers especially, the move offers renewed hope for a more sustainable and professional career pathway.
While challenges remain, particularly in governance and long-term structural reform, Tamim Iqbal’s early decisions suggest a proactive approach. If sustained, these changes could mark the beginning of a more equitable and competitive domestic cricket environment in Bangladesh, one where players are rewarded in line with their contribution to the sport.
