BCB’s Asif slams footballers’ ‘very bad behaviour’, vows to fight if needed

In a fiery outburst that’s set to ignite tensions between Bangladesh’s two biggest sports, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director and celebrated singer Asif Akbar has blasted footballers for their “very bad” conduct and accused the sport of “taking over” cricket grounds across the country.

Speaking at the Bangladesh Cricket Conference held at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, Asif didn’t mince his words.

“We are seeing behaviour from footballers that is very bad,” he declared. “They don’t just play – they break wickets, they damage the grounds. Football has occupied every district stadium, even places where football does not belong.”

Asif drew a sharp contrast between the two sports, claiming footballers often resort to drama and disputes, while cricketers uphold discipline and respect.

“Cricket is a noble game – a game of rules, records and respect,” he said. “In football, the moment someone is touched, they fall down claiming a foul. Everyone shouts and argues over corners and penalties. That is not sportsmanship. Cricketers walk out like gentlemen.”

The outspoken BCB director went further, issuing what sounded like a challenge to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

“We will ask our board president and senior directors to sit down quickly with the BFF,” he warned. “We don’t want conflict – but if necessary, we will fight. Our children must be able to play. We have taken an oath that our children will play.”

Asif’s remarks come amid growing turf wars between football and cricket bodies over the use of district and divisional stadiums – many of which serve as shared venues for both sports. In recent months, friction has mounted over scheduling clashes, damaged pitches, and training access, with both sides quietly blaming the other.

Neither the BCB nor the BFF has issued an official response to Asif’s comments. But insiders say his words could deepen the already simmering rivalry between the two sports – and spark a fresh debate over who really owns Bangladesh’s playing fields.