Naseem Shah Faces Disciplinary Action from PCB Over Controversial Social Media Post

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has come under fire from the Pakistan Cricket Board for a controversial social media post made during the PSL 2026 opening night. The post raised questions about the treatment of Punjab's Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, leading to a show-cause notice from the PCB. As the board investigates the matter, Naseem is expected to respond within a specified timeframe. This incident highlights the PCB's commitment to maintaining professional standards and player conduct. Stay tuned for updates on the disciplinary actions that may follow.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 16:14 IST

Naseem Shah Under Scrutiny for Social Media Violation

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been issued a show-cause notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for allegedly breaching media regulations and the stipulations of his central contract. This notice came just a day after a contentious post appeared on his social media account during the opening night of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season. The now-deleted post raised concerns regarding the treatment of Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, at the event. The PCB released a statement indicating that Naseem's actions warranted disciplinary measures. They stated, "Naseem Shah is required to respond within the specified timeframe. The PCB is dedicated to maintaining professional standards, contractual commitments, and the integrity of the sport." The board noted that they would review the situation after receiving Naseem's explanation, although they did not specify which clause had been breached.

Details of the Controversial Post

The post that ignited the controversy was shared on Naseem's X account during the PSL's opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It questioned, "Why is she treated like a queen at Lord’s?" and included a video of Maryam Nawaz's arrival at the event. Following this, Naseem claimed that his account had been hacked and the post was quickly taken down. However, this clarification did little to quell the situation. The incident gained further attention due to the high-profile nature of the event, which was attended by various dignitaries, despite previous restrictions on public attendance for external reasons. The PCB contended that Naseem's actions could have breached media standards and contractual obligations, which prohibit public criticism or derogatory remarks about officials, institutions, or stakeholders. In recent years, the board has adopted a stringent approach towards player conduct, particularly regarding public statements and political references. Following Naseem's explanation, the case will proceed, and any disciplinary measures will be decided. Naseem, who represents Rawalpindi Pindiz in the PSL, is expected to participate in their upcoming match against Peshawar Zalmi. The PCB's management of this issue remains focused on upholding its code of conduct.