Naseem Shah breaks silence on PCB punishment, issues public apology following massive controversy

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has issued a public apology after receiving a heavy financial penalty from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Notably, the cricket board fined the 23-year-old cricketer PKR 20 million following a controversial post on his social media account about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The controversy began during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) opening ceremony on March 26. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Maryam and introduced her to the franchise owners. The PCB shared the video on social media, to which Naseem responded, “Why is she being treated like the Queen at Lord’s?”

I Take Full Responsibility for My Platform - Naseem Shah Apologizes

Naseem Shah took to his official account on X and said that the post did not reflect his personal views. He accepted full responsibility and added that he would make necessary changes to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

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"A recent post from my account was made by my management team and does not reflect my views," Shah wrote.

"I take full responsibility for my platform and have implemented the necessary changes to ensure this does not happen again. I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by this misuse of my platform."

Takes all Responsibility @iNaseemShah pic.twitter.com/G9abmre2wv

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) March 30, 2026

Before issuing a public apology, the fast bowler had initially given a different explanation. Naseem had earlier claimed that an unknown entity had hacked his official account.

"This account of Naseem was recently hacked but now recovered successfully," he had stated.

UK-Based, Not From Pakistan - Journalist on Naseem Shah’s Account Manager

Senior Pakistan sports journalist Sohail Imran provided details about the terminated employee. The Geo TV correspondent revealed that a foreign individual managed all the official digital platforms and social media accounts of Naseem.

The social media manager was based in the UK and was not from Pakistan. The senior journalist confirmed that Naseem has cut ties with him, and the PCB has placed him on a permanent blacklist.

"The individual previously managing Naseem Shah’s social media accounts is UK-based not from Pakistan and was handling all platforms. Naseem has disassociated himself and the individual has been blacklisted by Pakistan Cricket Board restricting any future work with players," Sohail Imran wrote.

The individual previously managing Naseem Shah’s social media accounts is UK-based not from Pakistan and was handling all platforms. Naseem has disassociated himself and the individual has been blacklisted by Pakistan Cricket Board restricting any future work with players.

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) March 30, 2026

PCB Slaps PKR 20 Million Fine on Naseem Shah, Bans Manager After Disciplinary Hearing

The PCB announced the disciplinary action just hours before Naseem Shah issued his public apology. The board had earlier sent a formal show-cause notice outlining the contract violations. A three-member disciplinary committee then conducted a personal hearing after receiving his initial response.

After reviewing all the evidence, the committee delivered its final decision. Despite noting his unconditional apology, the panel found Naseem guilty of breaching multiple clauses of his central contract and social media guidelines.

The PCB upheld the PKR 20 million fine even after Naseem removed his digital manager. The board also set a strong example by permanently banning the UK-based social media adviser from working with any players under its jurisdiction.

Also read: Ravindra Jadeja breaks silence on fiery send-off to Shivam Dube in RR vs CSK IPL 2026 clash