LAHORE: In an unprecedented decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday imposed a PKR20 million (approx. US$72,000) fine on Naseem Shah for a controversial tweet from his social media account about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on the opening day of the Pakistan Super League.

The PCB said in a statement that Naseem offered an “unconditional apology” and had terminated the services of his social media manager, but a three-member disciplinary committee still found him guilty of various breaches of his Category C contract.

The PCB, however, did not provide details of the three-member disciplinary committee, nor did it reveal under which code or article Naseem had been fined. Ironically, the statement also made no mention of whether Naseem had the right of appeal.

Shortly after the PCB announced the decision, Naseem wrote on X: “A recent post from my account was made by my management team and does not reflect my views. I take full responsibility for my platform and have implemented the necessary changes to ensure this does not happen again. I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by this misuse of my platform.”

Without revealing the identity of the social media manager, the PCB also announced that he had been blacklisted, meaning he will not be able to work with or represent any of Pakistan’s centrally contracted players within the PCB’s jurisdiction.

“The PCB remains committed to upholding professional standards, contractual obligations and the integrity of the game,” the board said.

The decision instantly ignited a global debate on social media, with high-profile personalities openly sharing their views in support of Naseem Shah.,

Cricinfo’s Daniyal Rasool provided context on X, noting that the fine was more than 16 times what Aamer Jamal was penalised for wearing 804 on his hat, and roughly equivalent to ten months of Naseem’s Category C central contract salary.

Shahzad Iqbal, host of a leading current affairs programme on a premier news channel, wrote on X that imposing such a heavy fine — nearly equivalent to Naseem’s annual central contract salary — for a post that was deleted almost immediately and for which an unconditional apology was tendered, was “both disproportionate and unjust,” adding that fines should serve as a deterrent, not as a means to teach a lesson.

Legal expert and International Commission of Jurists member Reema Omar called the fine “blatantly arbitrary, excessive, and unjust” on X, urging the PCB to reconsider and warning against what she described as authoritarian conduct.

Former Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair also weighed in on X, describing a PKR2 crore punishment for a tweet as “truly representing the worst of an authoritarian state.”

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen questioned the logic of the PCB’s dual action on X, arguing that blacklisting the social media manager while simultaneously fining the player the largest fine in PCB history was contradictory — asking: “If your own punishment confirms the manager did it, how do you justify fining the player?”

BBC broadcaster Aatif Nawaz called the fine “a straight up travesty” on X, describing it as the largest ever in Pakistan cricket history.

Cricinfo’s Osman Samiuddin also expressed sympathy for Naseem on X, noting the fine was the largest in Pakistan cricket history and referencing what he described as previous setbacks for the pacer, including a T20 World Cup fine and a denied opportunity to play in The Hundred last year. He expressed hope the decision would be reconsidered.

Stage and TV artist Shafaat Ali wrote on his X: “No cricketer runs his own socials…please. It’s always the management. Which makes @iNaseemShah “decision look like a fumble. Maybe investigate the handlers before crucifying him. And perhaps cricketers should start managing their managers and stop being political commentators.”

QALANDARS FINE SHAHEEN SHAH AFRIDI

In a separate matter, Lahore Qalandars imposed a fine on PKR1million on Shaheen Shah Afridi for his involvement in the breach of security protocols at the team hotel on Saturday evening.

In a statement, Lahore Qalandars said: “Following this review, Lahore Qalandars confirmed that an isolated incident did occur at the team hotel; however, it has been overstated in public discourse and amplified beyond its actual context.

“In the interest of maintaining discipline and demonstrating accountability, the franchise has taken a voluntary and proactive step by imposing a fine of PKR 1 million on Shaheen Shah Afridi for his involvement.

“Lahore Qalandars has also formally communicated a detailed response, along with its observations on the matter, to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).”