X/Naseem Shah
Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined a record PKR 20 million by the Pakistan Cricket Board following a controversial social media post regarding Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. This penalty, reported by sports website Revsportz, marks the largest financial disciplinary action ever taken against a player in Pakistan cricket history.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imposed the PKR 20 million penalty after a disciplinary hearing held on March 30. The board stated that Naseem Shah violated multiple clauses of his central contract through a deleted post on X. During the proceedings, the pacer offered an unconditional apology and terminated his social media manager.
The issue began during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 opening ceremony when Shah commented on the presence of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Although he later claimed his account was hacked, the viral nature of the post prompted immediate board intervention. Naseem Shah was recently signed by Rawalpindi Pindiz for a staggering PKR 86.50 million.
This incident follows a similar trend of strict disciplinary measures involving political figures in Pakistan sports. In 2025, all-rounder Aamer Jamal faced a PKR 1 million fine for displaying a message supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PCB remains firm on maintaining a clear distinction between professional cricket and political statements.
The record fine serves as a significant warning to Pakistani cricketers regarding their digital presence and public conduct. While Naseem Shah remains a key asset for the national side, the blacklisting of his manager signals a new era of accountability. Players must now navigate a stricter social media landscape under their PCB central contracts.