Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan lambasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the heavy fine imposed on pacer Naseem Shah earlier this week for his social media post against a politician. Younis not only labelled it as “excessive”, but also warned PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi of demoralising players with such harsh calls.
The incident occurred on the opening day of the PSL 2026 tournament, when Naseem made a sarcastic remark about the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, who had visited the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 27 for the opening ceremony. Although he quickly deleted the social media post, replaced it with another, and then apologised for it, it did not escape eagle-eyed fans, as screenshots went viral.
Three days later, the fast bowler was reprimanded and fined by the disciplinary committee of the PCB. He was imposed a charge of PKR 20 million for breaching the players code of conduct.
Younis lashed out at the judgment, saying the whole episode by the PCB could have been avoided.
“Once Naseem (Shah) had apologised for the tweet and also made it clear his social media manager was behind it and he had fired him, now the board could have let Naseem off with a warning and much lesser fine,” Younis said.
He said such actions only demoralise players.
“The board should be taking care of its players.”
The Pakistan batting legend further insisted that if PCB is indeed serious, they should consider charging selectors and officials when they fail in their duties. Younis also urged the PCB to reconsider its decision, as Naseem had shown remorse for the incident.
Earlier, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali had claimed that the PCB had initially sought harsher treatment against Naseem, wanting to ban him for two years, before Naqvi stopped the committee.
“Naseem Shah is very lucky. Let me tell you the inside news. He was to be banned for two years; the committee had recommended it. The credit goes to Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, as he had no. He told them not to ban Naseem Shah for two years and just hand him a monetary penalty,” he told Ary News.
“Naqvi said that it was about his future. Naseem could give the money because he plays in the PSL and other leagues. Naqvi told the committee that one shouldn’t play with someone’s career. It is a good decision by Mohsin Naqvi.”
