Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has issued an apology after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imposed a Rs20 million fine on him for a contentious social media post concerning Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The post, which appeared on Shah’s X account, questioned the special protocol extended to Maryam Nawaz, asking why she was treated like royalty at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The message was swiftly removed, and Shah later stated that his account had been compromised, adding that it had since been recovered.
Prior to the fine, the PCB had served Shah with a show-cause notice, highlighting possible breaches of his central contract and the board’s media regulations. The notice required him to provide a formal explanation within a specified period, warning of potential further disciplinary measures.
This incident unfolded during the Pakistan Super League’s opening ceremony at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Maryam Nawaz was present. Apart from the deleted post, Shah has refrained from making any further public statements.
By apologizing, Shah seems to be seeking to move past the controversy. However, the substantial Rs20 million penalty underscores the PCB’s firm approach toward maintaining strict standards of player conduct on social media platforms.
