Former Indian cricketer Murali Kartik sharply criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for what he called 'unnecessary boycott drama' that unfolded before their final Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Murali Karthik calls Pakistan's boycott drama 'funny'
The former Indian spinner expressed his displeasure with Pakistan's actions, which included threatening to pull out of the tournament and refusing to leave their hotel on time. This ultimately led to their must-win game being delayed by an hour.
"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. Just because you see that there could be a financial implication, which is 16 million USD over a handshake saga or for something like this, I can't think of anything. Even kids in kindergarten nowadays don't behave like this, 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," Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz.
PCB was dissatisfied with the continued appointment of match referee Andy Pycroft following the handshake controversy during their match against India earlier in the tournament. India had chosen to forgo the customary handshakes during and after the game to show solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and to honor the Indian army for its successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
"People watching at home, the match is going to be delayed by an hour, so now even in, you know, even fans in Pakistan, kids in Pakistan who wanted to watch their heroes play now have to stay up much later when it's a school night," he added.
Meanwhile, International Cricket Council (ICC) added salt to PCB's injury by handing a clean chit to Pycroft after investigation the matter. Pycroft continued to remain the match referee in the Pakistan versus UAE match. PCB had asked for an enquiry into the conduct of the match officials in the India versus Pakistan game. However, Pycroft has apologised for the ‘Miscommunication’ and has not apologised to any player or PCB. But he came clean which put the PCB's gimmick to a halt. Notably, PCB so far has failed to provide any evidence to any of their allegations despite ICC’s repeated requests.