Ex-Pakistan batter slams PCB after Naseem Shah fined PKR 20mil for 'Queen' jibe

Naseem Shah. (AP Photo)

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, for imposing a hefty PKR 20 million fine on pacer Naseem Shah, calling the punishment excessive and avoidable. The controversy stems from a now-deleted post on Naseem’s official X account during the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. The post appeared to take a dig at Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, questioning her high-profile presence at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.What triggered the controversy? The post, which quote-tweeted a PCB update from the PSL opener, read: “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” It was widely interpreted as a remark on Maryam Nawaz’s VIP treatment, as she arrived with a large security convoy and later interacted with players. Although the tweet was quickly deleted and a follow-up claim suggested the account had been hacked, the explanation failed to convince PCB officials. Within 24 hours, Naseem Shah was issued a show-cause notice for breaching his central contract and violating media guidelines. The PCB later confirmed that Shah had breached multiple clauses of his contract, particularly those restricting players from publicly criticising officials or associated entities. Despite the disciplinary action, Shah remains available for selection and is expected to continue playing in the tournament. PCB on Monday fined Naseem Shah 20 million Pakistani rupees for posting tweets that were found to be in violation of his central contract.

PCB imposes fine, tightens social media rules

The PCB disciplinary committee imposed the fine within three days of the incident, even after Naseem reportedly apologised and terminated his social media manager. “It was noted that Naseem Shah’s social media adviser has already been terminated… and shall be blacklisted,” the board said in a statement. Following the controversy, the PCB introduced stricter social media guidelines. Players and their managers must now seek prior approval before posting online, especially on political matters. The board also warned that political posts could attract fines of up to PKR 10 million.

Younis Khan calls punishment ‘harsh’

Younis Khan questioned the severity of the penalty, arguing that the board should have shown leniency after the player admitted his mistake. “Once Naseem had apologised and clarified the situation, the board could have let him off with a warning or a much lesser fine,” Younis said. He warned that such actions could negatively impact player morale. “The board should be taking care of its players. If such strict standards are applied, then selectors and officials should also be held accountable for their mistakes.” Younis also urged the PCB to reconsider the decision, noting that Shah had already shown remorse. Notably, this is not the first such incident involving PCB disciplinary action. Last year, all-rounder Aamer Jamal was fined $4,000 for displaying a political slogan during a match.

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