Three matches are being played today at three different venues in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). There had been uncertainty about whether the games would take place due to a referee protest. However, the federation has assured that payments for the remaining matches of the Premier League’s first leg and the Championship League’s first round will be cleared by Monday or Tuesday. In response to the federation’s request, the referees agreed to officiate matches starting from 1 PM.
Normally, referees are required to arrive at the venue an hour and a half before kickoff. Since the decision was made at the last minute, they couldn’t reach the venues in time. As a result, the match in Mymensingh was slightly delayed. However, matches at Kings Arena and Munshiganj started on schedule.
Yesterday, a list of 12 referees had been prepared for the three matches. Five of them were later replaced, as most referees were initially unwilling to officiate. Based on availability and location, the BFF’s referees department made adjustments to the list.
Since the decision to proceed was made at the very last moment, referees scrambled to reach the venues however they could. Despite a slight delay at one venue, the matches took place, saving the Bangladesh Football Federation from a major disruption.
