By Asif Naveed
LAHORE (MNN);The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday imposed a fine of Rs20 million on fast bowler Naseem Shah for violating multiple clauses of his central contract.
The action follows a show-cause notice issued last week over alleged breaches of contract terms, media policy, and regulations. The issue reportedly stemmed from a social media post in which Naseem appeared to criticise Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who attended the افتتاحی میچ of the Pakistan Super League at Gaddafi Stadium as chief guest.
According to reports, a comment posted from Naseem’s account questioned the protocol given to the chief minister. The post was deleted shortly afterward and replaced with a clarification claiming the account had been hacked and later recovered.
In a statement, the PCB said a three-member disciplinary committee conducted a personal hearing after reviewing Naseem’s response. While the player submitted an unconditional apology, the committee concluded that he had breached multiple contractual clauses and imposed a Rs20 million fine.
The board further noted that Naseem had already terminated his social media adviser, who will now be blacklisted from working with any player under PCB jurisdiction.
The PCB reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional standards, contractual discipline, and the integrity of the game.
Under the PCB’s code of conduct, players are prohibited from making public criticism or inappropriate remarks regarding the board, its officials, sponsors, policies, the International Cricket Council, or match officials.
Meanwhile, the National Dialogue Committee, formed by former PTI leaders, criticised the PCB’s move, calling it excessive. The committee argued that while organisations have the right to enforce discipline, such actions could undermine the fundamental democratic principle of freedom of expression.
