Murali Kartik Slams PCB Over Asia Cup 2025 Delay
Former India spinner Murali Kartik strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for “holding people to ransom” during the Asia Cup 2025. The Pakistan vs UAE Group A match in Dubai began an hour late after PCB pushed hard to have referee Andy Pycroft replaced.
The delay followed the September 14 India vs Pakistan fixture, when PCB accused Pycroft of not respecting the spirit of cricket in the no-handshake controversy. Despite their objections, the ICC stood firm and kept Pycroft as match referee. Just before the UAE match, PCB announced that Pycroft had “apologised” for his earlier conduct.
Kartik, speaking on Cricbuzz, did not hold back and slammed PCB’s behaviour.
“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.
He also mocked the financial side of PCB’s actions.
“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.
‘Funny and Childish’ – Kartik on PCB’s Drama
Kartik compared PCB’s behaviour to children throwing tantrums when things don’t go their way. He pointed out that UAE were the real sufferers since their preparations were affected by the delay.
“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,” Kartik said.
He further insisted the game should have been forfeited.
“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 your rats are running in your tummy and you’re like, Can I have some food, please?” he added.
The Asia Cup 2025 has already seen plenty of drama, and Kartik’s scathing remarks have added more fuel to the ongoing PCB-ICC tussle.
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