Out of nowhere, Basit Ali said PCB had planned a two-year cut for Naseem Shah – until Mohsin Naqvi stepped in. That decision never stuck. By Monday, officials made clear: fine instead, twenty million rupees taken off. The reason? Broken parts of the central deal, plus how he acted online. Just days before, during the first match of PSL 2026 – Lahore versus Hyderabad – he appeared to mock a political figure sitting in the stands. Though fans were barred, someone still showed up. His gesture spoke without words
Right before the first game kicked off, PSL held a brief event. At that moment, observers noticed Maryam Nawaz – head of Punjab province. From his account on X, once called Twitter, Naseem shared thoughts about her. She happens to be daughter of ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Related too, she’s niece of today’s PM, Shahbaz Sharif. He questioned why such royal treatment at Lord’s feels normal
Later on, the post vanished. A fresh message popped up instead, saying someone else had taken over Naseem’s profile. Still, officials at the PCB treated it like a real issue, sending him an official request to explain. By Monday, facts settled – the young player, just 23, broke the agreement he signed.
Basit says the PCB panel aimed to suspend Naseem for two years. Yet Naqvi stepped in – concerned for the young player’s path ahead. The decision shifted because of his hesitation. Doubt over long-term consequences played a role. A stricter penalty faded when worry took hold.
“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,” Basit Ali said on 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,” he added.
‘Read contract’
Reading the fine print might seem odd coming from a cricketer, yet he pushed teammates to see it through. Instead of handing things over to agents, open the document. Only then does clarity arrive about limits and freedoms within the rules.
“When the players sign the central contract, all these things are written there. All the clauses are there. Why do our players not read these things at that time? Why do you send your managers?” said Basit.
“If the players themselves read, they would be more informed about it. However, it is a good call by the PCB chief. Two years is way too much,” he added.
That Tuesday, the PCB said things moved forward once Naseem Shah responded – the answer came in, got looked over. A trio made up of committee members then met face-to-face later that week. Their session took place come month-end, set against rising concerns.
“Whilst noting the unconditional apology tendered, Naseem is found to have breached various clauses of his Central Contract and a fine of PKR 2 crores has been imposed,” PCB said in its official communication.
“It was noted that Naseem Shah’s social media adviser has already been terminated by Naseem and shall be blacklisted by the PCB from associating with any player falling under the PCB’s jurisdiction,” the board added.
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