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

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

The ex-India spinner compared the entire sequence of events to a child who can't accept reality and throws tantrums when it doesn't get its way.

September 19, 2025 / 11:37 IST
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Former Indian cricketer slams PCB for ‘holding people to ransom’ after UAE-Pakistan match delay: 'Childish behaviour' (AP Photo)
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.

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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.