Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Asif has stirred controversy after claiming that district-level cricketers are being deprived of playing fields due to football’s dominance. He also criticized the behavior of some footballers, sparking outrage across the football community.
Many current and former footballers demanded that Asif publicly apologize for his remarks. However, the BCB director remains steadfast in his position and refused to retract his comments.
Speaking on Monday (November 10) during the second day of a conference, Asif said, “Our footballer brothers got angry with me yesterday. But I am not angry. Let’s debate. I want this issue to come up for discussion. I only asked for access to the field, which we haven’t received in 26–27 years.”
Defending his stance, he added, “Football is also our game. Both my sons play football. Football is ours, cricket is ours, hockey is ours. Then why are we being discriminated against at the grassroots level? Why are stadium gates locked for us?”
Asif also mentioned that cricketers are willing to cooperate, saying, “Once we get the field, we’ll prepare the wicket ourselves. But if we can’t get access, at least let’s have a clear schedule — when football will finish, and when cricket can start. But please, don’t force us to play on mats.”
Reaffirming his earlier statement, Asif said, “What I said yesterday was absolutely correct. I can prove it to those who are upset. I actually want them to be angry enough to give us the field so we can play.”
