Former India spinner Murali Kartik has strongly criticised Pakistan’s actions during the Asia Cup 2025, calling their behaviour “absolutely childish” after they threatened to boycott their Group A clash against the UAE. The drama unfolded just hours before the scheduled start, with Pakistan objecting to the appointment of Andy Pycroft as match referee following the infamous no-handshake controversy against India.

According to Kartik, the PCB’s approach lacked professionalism and conviction. He said that if Pakistan truly wanted to take a stand, it should have followed through instead of creating unnecessary chaos and eventually turning up late to play.

“The only word I can think of is childish and churlish. If you wish to take a stand, have the conviction to stick to it,” Murali Kartik remarked on Cricbuzz Live.

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The ICC, however, stood firm and dismissed Pakistan’s request to replace Pycroft, confirming him as the official for the UAE clash. Reports suggested that the PCB initially refused to leave its hotel in protest, which delayed the match by an hour. Pakistan were required to report at least two hours before the start, but only arrived after the intervention of senior officials.

‘Absolutely Childish from Pakistan’@kartikmurali & @rohangava9 react, on Cricbuzz Live#AsiaCup2025 #PAKvUAE pic.twitter.com/PQajHcyLBj

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 17, 2025

Kartik also highlighted the financial implications that may have influenced Pakistan’s eventual decision to play. “When you realise the impact could be 16 million US dollars, you backtrack. That’s not conviction, that’s compromise,” he said. Drawing an even sharper comparison, Murali Kartik added, “I think even kindergarten kids nowadays don’t behave like this.”

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His comments have sparked an intense debate, with many agreeing that Pakistan’s conduct sent the wrong message on an international stage. What was meant to be a crucial must-win game against the UAE turned into yet another controversy surrounding Pakistan cricket—an issue that refuses to fade away in high-pressure tournaments.