Former India cricketer Murali Kartik slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their unnecessary boycott drama ahead of their final group-stage fixture against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, September 17.

The former Indian spinner was not pleased with Pakistan’s antics in the lead-up to their must-win clash against the UAE. The side had threatened to pull out from the tournament altogether and refused to leave the team hotel on time, which resulted in the match 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.

The PCB were not happy with the continued appointment of the match referee, Andy Pycroft, after the handshake drama that ensued during the game against India, earlier in the tournament. India opted against any customary gestures during the game to maintain solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and the Indian army for their 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.

It remains to be seen if there will be any possible penalties imposed on the Pakistan team for their pre-match drama, which resulted in a delay for the match.

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