PCB slaps $20mln fine on Naseem Shah

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined fast bowler Naseem Shah Rs20 million following a controversial social media post about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Shah’s statement, posted on his X account, questioned the treatment of Maryam Nawaz, asking: “Why is she treated like the queen at Lord’s?” The post was quickly deleted, and Shah later claimed his account had been hacked, writing: “This account of Naseem was recently hacked but now recovered successfully.”

Earlier, the PCB had issued a show-cause notice, citing alleged violations of Shah’s central contract and the board’s media policy. The board has directed him to submit a formal response within a specified timeframe, after which further action may be taken.

The controversy arose in connection with the Pakistan Super League’s opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium, where Maryam Nawaz was in attendance. The PCB has not provided additional details, and Shah has not commented beyond his post on X.