Lahore
Naseem Shah has been handed a record fine by the Pakistan Cricket Board for a controversial social media post targeting Maryam Nawaz during the ongoing Pakistan Super League.
The fast bowler was fined $71,684, reportedly the largest financial penalty in Pakistan’s cricket history, with local media suggesting it amounts to nearly eight months of his central contract salary. The disciplinary action followed a now-deleted post that appeared to criticise the special treatment accorded to Maryam Nawaz during her visit to Gaddafi Stadium for the PSL opener.
In the post, Naseem had sarcastically questioned why the Punjab Chief Minister was being treated “like the Queen at Lord’s,” sparking immediate backlash. The remark came at a sensitive time when fans were barred from attending matches in Lahore and Karachi due to fuel conservation measures linked to escalating tensions in West Asia.
The PCB issued a show-cause notice to the pacer on March 27, shortly after the post surfaced. During subsequent disciplinary proceedings, Naseem offered an unconditional apology, which was taken into consideration before the penalty was imposed.
In its statement, the board also revealed that Naseem had terminated his social media adviser, who has now been blacklisted from working with any player under PCB’s jurisdiction. The move was seen as an attempt by the player to take corrective action and prevent further controversy.
Despite the apology, the PCB opted for a stringent penalty, underlining its zero-tolerance approach towards conduct that could bring the game or its stakeholders into disrepute. The incident has once again highlighted the growing scrutiny over athletes’ social media activity and the potential consequences of public remarks involving political figures.
Naseem, one of Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers, now finds himself under intense spotlight as the PSL progresses, with the episode serving as a cautionary tale for players navigating the intersection of sport, politics and digital expression.