Rangpur Riders' late-tournament slump, while not jeopardising their top-two finish in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), has created opportunities for Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings.

Rajshahi have completed their 12 league matches, securing back-to-back wins over high-flying Rangpur to reach fourth place. Chittagong -- another team at the heart of this BPL's players' payment issues -- following yesterday's five-wicket win against Rangpur are now in contention for a top-four spot with two matches remaining.

Khulna Tigers, meanwhile, are the only other side vying for a playoff place alongside Rajshahi and Chittagong.

Despite having started the league phase with eight wins on the trot, Rangpur lost a bit of firepower as Englishman Alex Hales left for ILT20, Pakistan's Khushdil Shah departed for the Champions Trophy camp, while Soumya Sarkar only returned following an injury.

At Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the game hung in the balance when Chittagong needed 20 runs from three overs. However, Haider Ali's four consecutive sixes off Akif Javed sealed the game.

Asked if the departure of foreign stars hampered their momentum, Rangpur batter Saif Hassan said, "We won three matches even after Alex Hales went back. I think we've lost our momentum a bit. We have to bring back the momentum. We've got a match left, that's very important. If we can win that, I hope we will get through to the final straight."

However, it will be difficult to find an immediate replacement for Khushdil, who played important knocks in Rangpur's early forays this season. The franchise will now look to finish on a high with their last match against Khulna Tigers today, a do-or-die affair for the latter.

While Khulna face an uphill task against Rangpur, Chittagong can ensure third spot in the table with a win against Sylhet Strikers, a franchise already out of contention for the playoffs.

Damage control on agenda

Rajshahi and Chittagong have been through extraordinary circumstances that have highlighted the mismanagement of the ongoing BPL. Yesterday, the BPL governing council once again sat with the franchise owners over payment issues. However, Chittagong's representatives were unable to attend.

It was learned that incentives would be given to all four teams that make the playoffs. "The tournament's prize money was increased," a BCB source said. Asked if it would help with payments for the franchises, the source obliged by saying, "Something like that."

It is also likely that ticket sales money will be shared with the franchises, but it could not be determined whether all seven franchises would get a share.

The board's leniency and struggle to get the BPL on to the field have led to intense criticism. The board may have reminded the owners about their commitments and responsibilities, but damage control appears to be of importance as the BPL nears its conclusion.