Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), taking a big step after the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, has imposed a fine of 50 lakh Pakistani rupees on each member of the Pakistan team. Salman Ali Aga-led ‘Men in Green’ could not go beyond the Super-8 stage. This is the fourth consecutive ICC tournament in which Pakistan has failed to reach the semi-finals—a first in the team’s history.
punishment for poor performance
According to reports, this fine has not been imposed due to any indiscipline, but solely on the basis of the team’s performance. The players were informed about this decision immediately after the 61-run defeat to India in the group stage. It was told that if the team had reached the semi-finals, this penalty could have been taken back.
Journey stuck in Super-8
Pakistan was successful in crossing the group stage, but the situation became difficult in the Super-8. The important match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, while the team had to face defeat against England. Pakistan’s path became more difficult after New Zealand’s big victory over Sri Lanka. The team not only needed a big win over Sri Lanka, but also had to depend on other results. Although Pakistan won their match, the run rate and equation were not in their favor and the team could not make it to the last-4.
Performance based penalty, unusual step
Generally PCB has been taking action against players in cases of indiscipline. This time there was no controversy off the field, yet it is considered unusual to be fined only on the basis of performance. Cricket experts are calling this a strict message from the board. Even before this, the current administration has taken strict steps after failure in big tournaments. Following the loss to India in the Asia Cup final, the players’ No-Objection Certificates (NOC) to play in overseas T20 leagues were temporarily suspended, which were later reinstated.
Farhan shines amid despair
While the team’s campaign did not live up to expectations, Sahibzada Farhan caught everyone’s attention with his stellar performance. He broke the record of scoring most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition and became the first player to score two centuries in the same edition. Despite the team’s collective failure, Farhan’s performance is being considered a positive sign for Pakistan cricket.
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