Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board for imposing a hefty fine of 20 million PKR on fast bowler Naseem Shah over a social media post. The penalty, handed down by the board’s disciplinary committee, has sparked debate over player management and the handling of off-field conduct within Pakistan cricket.
The controversy stems from a tweet posted from Naseem Shah’s account that reportedly included sarcastic remarks about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The post followed her visit to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium during the opening match of the Pakistan Super League. Acting swiftly, the PCB concluded its inquiry within three days and imposed the substantial fine for breaching the players’ code of conduct.
Younis Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the severity of the punishment, arguing that it was excessive given the circumstances. He pointed out that Naseem had already apologised for the post and clarified that it had been made by his social media manager, who was subsequently dismissed. According to Younis, the board could have opted for a warning or a significantly reduced fine instead of such a strict penalty.
Also Read: Naseem Shah Fined PKR 2 Crore, Escapes Two-Year Ban Thanks to Mohsin Naqvi
The former captain further warned that harsh disciplinary actions could negatively affect player morale. He stressed that the board’s responsibility should include supporting and protecting players rather than penalising them heavily. Younis also suggested that if strict accountability is to be enforced, it should apply equally to selectors and officials when they make errors or misleading statements.
In the wake of the incident, the PCB has introduced stricter social media guidelines for centrally and domestically contracted players. The new rules require prior clearance from the board before posting content online and strictly prohibit political commentary. The board has indicated that violations of these guidelines could attract fines of up to 10 million PKR, signalling a tougher stance on player conduct in the digital space.
Also Read: Naseem Shah Fined PKR 2 Crore, Escapes Two-Year Ban Thanks to Mohsin Naqvi