Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director and popular singer Asif Akbar has expressed strong criticism of footballers’ behaviour. Speaking at the Bangladesh Cricket Conference held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, he launched a series of pointed remarks about the disruption caused by football players.
“Asif Akbar stated, “Cricket matches across the country are being disrupted by footballers. They damage wickets and occupy grounds. Situations like the Abahani-Mohammedan match in Comilla are now seen in almost every district. Even in places where no football is scheduled, the fields are taken over.”
He added, “The behaviour of footballers is simply unacceptable. I’ll be frank — cricket is a gentleman’s game with rules and discipline. In football, if the ball touches someone, another player lies, claiming it was their throw. It’s a problem rooted in dishonesty from the outset.”
Addressing the BCB President, Asif continued, “I urge the board president to hold urgent discussions with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). We don’t want conflict, but if necessary, we are ready to act — because our players must be allowed to play. Our boys and girls will play — that is our pledge.”
In response, former footballer and BFF member Golam Gaus criticised Asif’s remarks. “Asif isn’t really part of the sporting community,” he said. “What he has said doesn’t affect football at all, but the question remains — did he maintain decency in his speech?”