'Even kids don't behave like this': Ex-IND spinner slams Pakistan for ‘holding people to ransom’ post delay against UAE

Ex-IND spinner slams Pakistan for ‘holding people to ransom’ post delay against UAE (AP Photo)

Former India spinner Murali Kartik was unreserved in his criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for "holding people to ransom" after an hour delay in the Asia Cup 2025 encounter against UAE on Wednesday. The match witnessed a delay due to PCB's effort to get match referee Andy Pycroft changed for the tie.

The cricket board took offense at Pycroft's actions after the no-handshake fiasco during the India vs Pakistan encounter in Dubai last Sunday, accusing him of not upholding the spirit of cricket.

But the ICC ignored PCB and Pycroft was not removed from the match. PCB then released a statement, stating Pycroft "apologised" for his conduct during the India vs Pakistan tie.

Murali Karthik tore up the PCB for failing to arrive for the match on time. Kartik cited earlier claims that Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if their demands weren't fulfilled, adding the PCB ought to have done so instead of engaging in theatrics.

“The only word I can think of right now is absolutely childish and churlish. I can't think of anything else. If you want to take a stand, please go ahead. I think for everybody in life, you take a stand, but stick to it, have the conviction to stick to it,” Kartik said on Cricbuzz.

“Just because when you see, oh, there could be a financial implication, which literally is 16 million US dollars over a handshake saga or over something like this. I can't think of anything. I think people in kindergarten, even kids in kindergarten nowadays, don't behave like this,” he added.

Kartik compared the entire sequence of events to a child who can't accept reality and throws tantrums when it doesn't get its way. Additionally, he stated that the UAE should be the one upset because their preparations suffered and the match was postponed by an hour.

“So it's a bit funny. And again, you're holding so many people to ransom for no rhyme or reason. Absolutely no rhyme or reason. You want to take a stance, please do. If you want to take a stand, take a stand, go home. Don't suddenly think, oh, no, this is what it is,” said Kartik.

“The game was supposed to be at this time. They should be forfeiting the game. It's like, that's how it used to happen, you know, in all the other places. Walkover. Since we use the word childish, you get angry with your mom and you go and throw your, as you said, throw your toys and close your room. I won't eat. The mom says, OK, bugger off. You don't want to eat? Don't eat. You are the one who's going to come out. After 10-12 hours, when rats are running in your tummy and you're like, Can I have some food, please?” he added.