CPL: Tridents players will be paid

THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL) yesterday promised that payments owed to Barbados Tridents players will be settled, a day after the team’s leading batsmen complained of still being owed for the 2018 tournament.

Despite the competition finishing since September 16, Tridents veteran Dwayne Smith said he and other players have still not received their money in full. Smith, who was drafted for US$90,000, expressed concern that the situation may worsen as legal problems continue with Indian businessman and Tridents owner Dr Vijay Mallya.

In 2016, Mallya fled India where he faces charged for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to 90 crore Rupees (US$1,285,805,700) owing to unpaid loans by Kingfisher Airlines which has been grounded since 2012. Mallya is currently in the United Kingdom but last week the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London cleared the way for him to be extradited.

Mallya was the owner of Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and Formula One racing team Force India but had to give up control because of his legal troubles.

A CPL spokesperson yesterday told Newsday the league is aware of the salary problems suffered by some Tridents players but did not elaborate on what measures are being taken.

“(CPL) has been in constant communication with the players concerned. There are a number of factors playing a part in this delay which CPL will not be able to comment on at present. The issues will be resolved as soon as possible and all outstanding player payments will be paid,” the spokesperson said.

One team member told Newsday that Mallya, who is now being considered a fugitive from the Indian Government, assured the team via the team’s WhatsApp group chat that everyone would be paid.

“Once he sent a message on the group for the players not to worry and they would be paid. He said they were just having some problems with the team.” the player said.

Another player told Newsday Tridents cricketers were also made to wait long for their full payment last year and frustration has kicked in now the problem has reoccurred.

"It is a kind of a long process and some of the players are frustrated. The guys have bills to pay and family to take care of. Then the next (CPL) draft will be early next year. I am sure the players have all of this in the back of their minds. They would want to know what is the process going forward," the player said.

Newsday was told the unpaid Tridents cricketers considered legal action but decided against it as they felt it would be another lengthy process.

"They are in the process of working it out so it is just a matter of time."

Money woes is just one of the Barbados Tridents' problems. Their off-field issues and management uncertainty seem to be affecting their performance on the field as they've failed to qualify for the playoffs for the last three years.