With the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League just around the corner, familiar off-field concerns have resurfaced, even as players remain focused on delivering an exciting tournament.

At the Sylhet Outer Stadium on Wednesday, Chattogram Royals opener Mohammad Naim cut a relaxed figure during training, smiling and chatting with teammates. The most expensive local signing of the season, Naim will be under the spotlight when Chattogram face Noakhali Express in the second match on the opening day of BPL 12 in Sylhet.

Away from the practice fields, however, organisational challenges have once again come to the fore. Issues that troubled previous editions, particularly payment delays and last-minute complications involving overseas players, have returned just days before the first ball is bowled. Earlier, the planned opening ceremony in Dhaka was cancelled due to security concerns, and on Wednesday the traditional pre-tournament captains' photoshoot with the trophy was also called off.

Payment concerns have been a major talking point. Several franchises are yet to clear the mandatory 25 percent of player payments required under BPL regulations, with only two days remaining before the opening fixtures. A Chattogram Royals player confirmed that no payments had been made so far, while sources from Sylhet Titans and Noakhali Express indicated that dues were still outstanding.

There were more positive updates from other camps. Dhaka Capitals captain Mohammad Mithun confirmed during a press briefing that his team had received the initial 25 percent, a statement backed by several players. Rangpur Riders have reportedly paid 50 percent of the dues to local players, while Rajshahi Warriors officials said 25 percent payments, along with nine days of travelling and dearness allowance, had been disbursed to both local and foreign cricketers.

Chattogram Royals are also dealing with uncertainty around their overseas contingent. With less than 36 hours to go before the tournament begins, none of their foreign players had arrived, and head coach Justin Kemp was also yet to join the squad. Although the franchise had secured several overseas names, including Abrar Ahmed, Niroshan Dickwella, Angelo Perera, Paul Stirling, Cameron Delport, Kamran Ghulam and Mirza Tahir Baig, most have opted out, while a few are still expected to arrive late.

Noakhali Express have faced their own setback, with Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis ruled out through injury. The franchise, however, has welcomed Pakistani players Hassan Eisakhil and Haider Ali and remains hopeful of additional overseas arrivals in Sylhet.

Despite the off-field uncertainty, confidence among players remains high. Rajshahi Warriors' Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichchane, returning to the BPL after last featuring in 2019, spoke positively about his team's balance and belief, stressing the importance of local players stepping up. Rangpur Riders all-rounder Khushdil Shah also expressed optimism, hoping to build on last season's performances that helped him earn a recall to Pakistan's national team.

As BPL 12 prepares to get underway, organisational challenges continue to cast a shadow, but on the field, players are ready to shift the focus back to cricket.