Pakistan Fines Fast Bowler Naseem Shah Record Amount Over Controversial Tweet Criticizing Chief Minister

Islamabad. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken strict action against Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah, imposing the largest fine in cricket history. The PCB decided to fine Naseem approximately US$72,000 over a controversial tweet criticizing Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab.

The PCB announced this hefty fine two days after issuing a show-cause notice to Naseem. The board clarified that this step was taken to maintain professional discipline and decorum, stating that Naseem had violated several terms of his central contract.

The incident originated during the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Due to the West Asian crisis and fuel shortages, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had announced that this season's PSL would be played without spectators. However, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and niece of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was given a grand welcome as a special guest at the first match held at Gaddafi Stadium.

Naseem's account quote-tweeted a video posted from the PCB's official media account, asking, "Why is she being treated like the Queen of Lords?" Although the tweet was deleted within minutes, Naseem later clarified that his account had been hacked.

During the disciplinary committee hearing, Naseem offered an unconditional apology and fired his social media manager. Although the PCB blacklisted that manager, Naseem was not exempted from the large fine.

This fine amount is equivalent to about 8 months' salary Naseem receives from his 'C' category central contract. Previously, all-rounder Aamer Jamal was fined last year for writing prisoner number '804' on his cap in support of Imran Khan. The punishment imposed on Naseem is 16 times higher than Jamal's fine.