PCB fines fast bowler Naseem Rs20m for criticising Punjab CM Maryam's presence at PSL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined fast bowler Naseem Shah Rs20 million ($72,000) for a social media post criticising a politician’s presence at the opening game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which started behind closed doors last week.

The Chief Minister of the Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz, was invited to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium last Thursday, along with other dignitaries, and was introduced to officials of the eight franchises and players ahead of the opening game of the tournament between defending champion Lahore Qalandars and first-timers Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Naseem Shah commented in a tweet about the opening game, with the bowler saying on X, "Why is she treated like the queen at Lord’s?” in an apparent reference to Maryam Nawaz’s presence at the stadium.

He deleted the post soon afterward and later said his account had been hacked.

Naseem Shah tendered an unconditional apology after the PCB issued a notice to the fast bowler for violating the terms of his central contract as well as its media policy and regulations. He also appeared before a three-member disciplinary committee in Lahore on Monday.

The PCB said that Naseem Shah was found "to have breached various clauses of his central contract.”

"It was noted that Naseem Shah’s social media adviser has already been terminated by Naseem and shall be blacklisted by the PCB from associating with any player falling under the PCB’s jurisdiction,” the PCB said.

As part of the fallout from the war in Iran, fans are barred from attending games at Pakistan's premier domestic tournament, which was originally scheduled for six venues but now reduced to just two - Lahore and Karachi.

The Middle East conflict has resulted in exorbitant price hikes for fuel in the region, and Pakistan’s government is urging people to restrict travel and to work from home.

Last year Pakistan all-rounder Aamer Jamal was slapped with a fine of $4,000 for displaying a slogan in favour of cricket great Imran Khan, Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister.

Naseem Shah is playing for new PSL franchise Rawalpindi Pindiz and returned with expensive figures of 0-51 in the five-wicket loss to Peshawar Zalmi.

Naseem Shah, a right-arm fast bowler, has taken a total of 152 wickets while representing Pakistan in 20 test matches, 34 one-day internationals and 37 T20s games.