Barisal Bulls owner apologises to Mushfiqur for offensive comments

MA Awwal Chowdhury, an owner of the BPL franchise Barisal Bulls, has apologised for making offensive comments towards Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim.

Awwal, who is also a BCB director, spoke at a press conference at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

A few days ago, he questioned Mushfiqur’s leadership, discipline and sense of responsibility while speaking to a private TV channel.

“On hearing that Mushfiqur will leave [Barisal Bulls], as the franchise owner, I felt bad that he’d leave without telling me. I made those comments in the heat of the moment,” he explained.

“My intention was not [harmful], I didn’t realise it would hurt him. I also feel sorry over this,” he said.

Awwal claims he did not comment as a BCB director at that time, rather he spoke as the owner of the Barisal Bull.

After the incident, BPL Governing Council Member Secretary Ismail Haider Mallick urged the franchise owners to speak with care keeping their position in mind, warning against similar occurrences in the future.

“We have discussed the matter, even sat with Mushfiqur. Awwal Chowdhury did not mean what he said. Actually, it happened unexpectedly,” Mallick said on Wednesday.

“He is extremely sorry about the matter. Mushfiqur has also received it sportingly. He sat with the Governing Council. He has accepted it. I think this the issue has seen its end.”

In a press conference following the incident, Mushfiqur was in tears while reacting over the comments.