PCB fines Naseem Shah Rs20m over social media breach of contract

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday imposed a Rs20 million fine on fast bowler Naseem Shah for violating multiple clauses of his central contract, following a controversial social media post.

The cricketer had earlier been served a show-cause notice last week for breaching contract terms as well as media policy regulations, with a response sought within a stipulated timeframe. The notice stemmed from a post on his social media account that appeared to criticise Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who attended the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

According to reports, the post questioned her treatment at the event, but was deleted within minutes and replaced with a statement claiming that Naseem’s account had been hacked and later recovered.

In a statement, the PCB said a three-member disciplinary committee held a personal hearing after reviewing Naseem’s response. While noting that the player had issued an unconditional apology, the committee concluded that he had breached “various clauses” of his central contract and imposed the Rs20m fine.

The board also revealed that Naseem had terminated his social media adviser, who will now be blacklisted from working with any player under the PCB’s jurisdiction. Reaffirming its stance, the PCB said it remains committed to maintaining professional standards, contractual discipline, and the integrity of the game.

In a post on X, Naseem said the controversial content was uploaded by his management team and did not reflect his personal views. “I take full responsibility for my platform and have implemented necessary changes to ensure this does not happen again,” he said, offering a public apology.

Under the PCB’s code of conduct, players are prohibited from making public criticism or inappropriate comments regarding the board, officials, sponsors, or related stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the National Dialogue Committee (NDC), formed by former PTI leaders, criticised the PCB’s move, terming it an overreach that undermines the right to free and critical expression, despite acknowledging the board’s authority to enforce its code of conduct.