December 10, 2024 – The U-19 Asia Cup 2024 final turned controversial after a viral video showed the Bangladesh team captain encouraging chants of “Allah Hu Akbar” from the crowd during the match. The match, played between India and Bangladesh, ended with Bangladesh securing a convincing victory, but the incident has sparked a heated debate on social media and among cricket fans.
Match Summary
The final was held at a packed stadium, where Bangladesh batted first and set a target of 198 runs. Despite a solid effort, Team India was bowled out for 139 runs, leading to Bangladesh’s 59-run victory. This win marked Bangladesh’s claim to the U-19 Asia Cup title.
However, the joyous occasion for Bangladesh was overshadowed by a controversial incident during the match.
The Incident
During the final moments of the match, while India’s last batsman was at the crease, loud chants of “Allah Hu Akbar” were heard from the stands. A viral video revealed that Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim Tamim was actively encouraging the crowd to chant louder. This act has been criticized for allegedly giving a religious undertone to what should have been a purely sporting event.
Indian fans on social media expressed their displeasure, questioning whether such actions were appropriate in the spirit of the game. Many drew comparisons, speculating whether similar chants like “Jai Shri Ram” would have been accepted on such a platform.
Public Reaction
The incident has divided opinions:
- Bangladeshi Supporters defended the chants, claiming it was a way to uplift team morale.
- Indian Fans and Cricket Enthusiasts condemned the act, calling it an unnecessary religious twist to a game that is meant to unite and entertain.
Cricket experts also weighed in, with some emphasizing the importance of keeping politics and religion out of sports.
Social Media Storm
The video of the incident quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and sparking debates across platforms. While some celebrated Bangladesh’s victory, others criticized the captain’s actions as divisive and inappropriate.
Prominent Indian cricketers and commentators have refrained from commenting directly but have emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the game.
What’s Next?
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is yet to issue a statement regarding the controversy. Fans are urging the cricketing body to take action to ensure that such incidents do not overshadow the essence of the sport in the future.
Bangladesh’s victory, while commendable, now carries a cloud of controversy that may impact relations between the two cricketing nations.
