Naseem Shah Fined PKR 2 Crore, Escapes Two-Year Ban Thanks to Mohsin Naqvi
The PCB chairman blocked Naseem's two-year ban, replacing it with a hefty monetary fine instead.
Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah narrowly avoided a two-year ban after a controversial social media post, thanks to the intervention of Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Instead of a lengthy suspension, the young fast bowler has been fined PKR 2 crore for breaching his central contract.
The controversy stemmed from a now-deleted post in which Naseem questioned the prominent presence of Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League. Although the post was quickly removed, screenshots had already gone viral, prompting disciplinary action.
An internal PCB committee reportedly recommended a two-year ban, considering the post a serious violation of contract clauses that restrict players from making political or sensitive public statements. However, Mohsin Naqvi intervened, arguing that such a harsh punishment could damage Naseem’s career. He instead pushed for a financial penalty, which the board ultimately imposed.
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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali revealed that Naqvi believed players’ careers should not be jeopardised over such incidents, especially when monetary penalties could serve as a corrective measure. Naseem, who plays in the PSL and other global leagues, was deemed capable of paying the fine.
Despite issuing an unconditional apology, Naseem was found guilty of breaching multiple clauses of his central contract. The PCB also confirmed that his social media adviser has been terminated and blacklisted from working with any players under the board’s jurisdiction.
The incident has sparked discussion around player responsibility and awareness of contractual obligations. It also highlights the growing scrutiny of athletes’ social media activity, especially when it intersects with political sensitivities in countries like Pakistan.
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