Mohammad Amir Criticizes PCB Fine On Pakistan T20 Squad

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following reports that the board has fined each member of the national squad for their under‑whelming performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The public rebuke has intensified debate within Pakistani cricket about accountability, management decisions and how to address the team’s recent struggles.

The controversy stems from the PCB’s decision to impose a PKR 5 million (approximately USD 18,000) fine on each of the national players after Pakistan exited at the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup — a campaign marked by a heavy loss to India, a wash‑out against New Zealand, and failure to qualify for the semifinals despite a late win over Sri Lanka. Reports said the fine could have been waived had the team progressed to the knockout rounds.

Amir, speaking on the Pakistani television show Haarna Mana Hai, rejected the notion that financial penalties would improve Pakistan cricket. “Fines aren’t the solution,” he said, arguing that the board’s focus should be on strengthening domestic cricket and building a deeper talent pool. He called for underperforming players to be dropped and required to prove themselves over at least two years in domestic competition rather than simply being fined.

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The former pacer also questioned the fairness of penalising all squad members, including those who played limited roles in the tournament. “Will you fine Fakhar Zaman, who played only two games? What about Sahibzada Farhan?” Amir asked, pointing out that some players performed well individually even as the team fell short collectively.

Amir did not stop at the players, urging the PCB to hold selectors and administrators accountable as well. “If fines are the solution, apply them to everyone — from selectors to the administration,” he said, suggesting that decision‑makers share in the penalties for poor team planning and squad combinations.

The row has echoed broader criticism within Pakistan’s cricket community. Other former players, including Shahid Afridi, have labelled the fines “small‑minded” and urged deeper structural reforms rather than punitive measures. The debate highlights rising tensions over leadership and performance standards as Pakistan seeks to rebuild after another disappointing ICC tournament.

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