Former India cricketer and commentator Murali Kartik is under fire after making a controversial remark during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. The incident took place during the second innings of the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, when Kartik referred to the dismissal of PBKS opener Priyansh Arya as “the demise of Priyansh Arya” while summarising Punjab’s successful chase of 204. The comment, which aired live, quickly drew the ire of fans on social media, with many labelling it as “insensitive” and “unacceptable” for a professional broadcast. Calls for the BCCI to take strict action against Kartik have gained traction, with some fans demanding his immediate removal from the commentary panel. Also READ: Shreyas Iyer Angry at Shashank After PBKS Beat MI in Qualifier The 48-year-old made the statement after Arya, who had given Punjab a brisk start with 20 runs, was dismissed by Mumbai’s bowling attack. Although Kartik appeared to be referring to the batter’s exit from the innings, the use of the word “demise” in a cricketing context was deemed inappropriate by viewers. Kartik’s Comment Overshadows Punjab’s Historic Win, Fans Demand BCCI Action While Punjab Kings scripted a memorable five-wicket victory to enter their first IPL final since 2014, the focus quickly shifted to Kartik’s controversial phrasing. As the phrase “after the demise of Priyansh Arya” went viral, fans flooded social media with angry reactions. One fan posted, “How can a national broadcaster allow such careless language? ‘Demise’ is not a word to be used lightly. Murali Kartik should apologize or be removed.” Another wrote, “That was not commentary, that was a complete lapse of judgment. Unforgivable mistake.” "Demise of Priyansh Arya" ??Is this the professional commentary in biggest cricket league? pic.twitter.com/NdKskncp7T — TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 1, 2025 Only in IPL you can get away by saying demise instead of dismissal and carry on as if nothing happened. — Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) June 1, 2025 "Demise of Priyansh Arya..." lol wth man. — Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) June 1, 2025 Despite the controversy, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer remained the hero of the night, smashing an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls to guide his side to victory with one over to spare. His knock, which featured five fours and eight sixes, was well-supported by Nehal Wadhera, who added 48 runs off 29 balls. Together, the duo stitched an 84-run partnership that took Punjab home. Also READ: Shreyas Iyer’s bold message after PBKS knock out MI in epic chase Punjab Kings now gear up for a title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3. This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, with RCB leading 2-1 in head-to-head battles.