Sports Desk:

The conclusion of the Chattogram phase of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 has heightened the competition for play-off spots.

Rangpur Riders have already secured their place in the play-offs, sitting atop the table with 16 points from nine matches. After confirming the play-off spot, they are now concentrating on finishing in the top positions (first or second).

Fortune Barishal are just behind Rangpur with 12 points from eight matches, solidifying their reputation as one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, second only to the Global T20 Super League champions.

The fight for the remaining two play-off spots, however, has become increasingly intense, with teams delivering unpredictable performances in Chattogram.

Chattogram Kings began the tournament strongly, winning four of their first five matches. However, their form faltered at the Sagarika, their home venue, where they lost three of their four matches. Their sole victory at home was powered by Graham Clark’s sensational 101-run innings against Khulna.

Despite these setbacks, Ctg Kings remained third in the leaderboard, showing resilience in a fiercely competitive field.

Khulna Tigers staged a critical comeback during the Chattogram phase, winning two key matches to move into fourth place. Led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Khulna now have eight points from nine matches.

Although their negative net run rate is a concern, it currently keeps them ahead of fifth-placed Durbar Rajshahi, who also have eight points but a lower net run rate.

Dhaka Capitals had a mixed performance in Chattogram, securing two wins. They now have six points from 10 matches, with three wins overall. Openers Litton Kumar Das and Tanzid Hasan were instrumental, with Tanzid scoring two half-centuries in Chattogram to complement his earlier century against Rajshahi in Sylhet.

Sylhet Strikers endured a difficult Chattogram phase, losing all four of their matches. With just two wins in the ongoing tournament and four points overall, they are currently at the bottom of the table. Their poor performance away from home continues to undermine their campaign.

OFF-FIELD CONTROVERSIES OVERSHADOW CRICKET

While the on-field competition was fierce, the Chattogram phase was marred by off-field controversies, particularly regarding player payments.

On the first day in Chattogram, Rajshahi players boycotted practice to protest unpaid wages. The situation escalated, with players threatening to boycott a match against Sylhet if the issue was not resolved.

Hours before the game, some Rajshahi players received 25 per cent of their dues in cash and another 25 per cent via cheques. However, foreign players like Sri Lankan all-rounder Lahiru Samarakoon formally lodged complaints with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Chattogram players also reported payment issues, with some alleging that their cheques had bounced. Several players approached BCB for assistance, adding to the off-field drama that overshadowed the tournament’s action.

LOOKING AHEAD

With just a few matches remaining, the play-off race remains wide open.

Rangpur and Barishal are nearly guaranteed spots, but the battle for the remaining places promises drama and excitement as the tournament moves to Dhaka. Alongside the thrilling cricket, the unresolved payment issues will likely continue to dominate discussions in the final phase of the BPL.