The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly denied allegations that it has deliberately withheld prize money owed to cricketers from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The BCB described the accusations as "unjust" and "baseless," emphasizing that the delay in payment was due to administrative procedures beyond its control.

The controversy began when Debabrata Pal, General Secretary of the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), claimed that the cricketers had yet to receive their prize money from the tournament. Pal’s comments suggested that the BCB was responsible for the delay, leading to widespread media coverage and speculation.

In response, the BCB issued a statement clarifying the situation. The Board explained that delays in disbursing prize money are not uncommon following major ICC events and are often due to necessary tax formalities and compliance issues. The BCB confirmed that they had submitted all required documentation to the ICC promptly after the tournament's conclusion in November 2023.

To expedite the process, the BCB enlisted the services of Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, a renowned international accounting firm based in India. This firm has been handling the formalities related to the prize money, not just for Bangladesh but also for other participating nations. The BCB expects the funds to be transferred to their account in the coming weeks, after which they will be distributed to the players.

The BCB has strongly protested the allegations made by the concerned councilor, stating that such comments are unfounded and damaging to the Board’s reputation. The BCB reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in all its operations, urging patience as the final steps in the disbursement process are completed.

The Board also noted that cricketers from other countries that participated in the World Cup have similarly not yet received their payments, further underscoring that the delay is not unique to Bangladesh. Despite the ongoing issues, the BCB remains confident that the matter will be resolved soon.