Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal condemned Bangladesh Cricket Board director Asif Akbar’s comments about football as ‘extremely derogatory’ and sought an explanation from the BCB president Aminul Islam on Monday.
Asif, the newly appointed BCB director, claimed that cricket in the country is being negatively affected by football and criticised the conduct of football players at the Bangladesh Cricket Conference on Sunday.
‘Extremely derogatory, insulting, and alarming comments about football were made at the Bangladesh Cricket Conference, which is disappointing not only for football but also for the entire sports community. We strongly condemn these comments,’ BFF stated in a letter addressed to the BCB president.
The letter also stated that it should be considered as the official objection of the BFF.
‘It is truly regrettable and concerning that such an attitude was expressed from the platform of a cricket conference. We are all committed to using sports as a platform for unity – a platform that brings our nation together and creates pride and inspiration among future generations.’
‘You are surely aware that my executive committee and I represent thousands of footballers and billions of the country’s football supporters as the guardian. Therefore, in response to this incident, I expect a formal and public explanation from you,’ the letter concluded.
The letter also raised concerns about the use of the term ‘elite’, inquiring if the sports community genuinely adheres to the principles of non-discrimination and equality.
