Kolkata: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Monday released the prize money of the senior Bengal team which finished runners-up in the Ranji Trophy last season.
The prize money of Rs 1 crore was pending for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the CAB, in a statement, said they decided to clear the dues on their own and not wait for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to do the same.
"To us, the interest of our cricketers is paramount. Hence, we decided to release the prize money to the Bengal senior team on our own and not wait for the Board (BCCI) to release it to us and then reimburse the same to the players and support staff," CAB President Avishek Dalmiya said in the statement.
"The necessary formalities have been completed and documents signed by Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer. We expect the amount to reach their bank accounts in the next 48 hours.
"Simultaneously, necessary invoices have also been raised to the BCCI so we expect the prize money amount to be sent to the association later this week.
"Once we receive that, the same would be adjusted against the payments made to the players on account of prize money," he added.
IANS had earlier reported that former Bengal captain and India batsman Manoj Tiwary had asked for an update on the status of the players getting their dues from the BCCI during last week's online team bonding session that featured all the players, head coach Arun Lal and other members of the coaching and support staff.
"In this regard, we would want to be specific that it was only a request from Manoj Tiwary during a webinar held last week to look into the matter and it was not a complaint.
"With the payments being made today, the issue stands closed," Dalmiya further said.
