The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show cause notice to fast bowler Naseem Shah for allegedly violating the central contract and media rules. Notably, the PCB initiated these disciplinary proceedings after Naseem posted a controversial tweet criticizing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
PSL 2026 begins on March 26 with the match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The PCB had announced that all PSL matches would be held without spectators due to fuel conservation measures. However, Maryam Nawaz arrived with a heavy security convoy.
Maryam Nawaz attended the opening ceremony of Pakistan Super League as a special guest and interacted with several players of Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen. Naseem Shah tweeted quoting a video posted by the PCB, in which chairman Mohsin Naqvi is seen formally greeting Maryam Nawaz.
The Rawalpindi Pindies fast bowler used his official X account to question the special welcome given to the Punjab Chief Minister. Naseem expressed his disappointment about the preferential, excessive security treatment given to Maryam at Gaddafi Stadium despite strict restrictions on fans.
“Why is she treated like a queen at Lord’s?”
Minutes after posting the controversial comment, Naseem immediately deleted the tweet. Naseem Shah then published a follow-up statement claiming that his account had been temporarily hacked. He clarified that the tweet was completely unintentional and he has got his social media account back.
Pakistan Cricket Board issues show cause notice to Naseem Shah
The PCB management was not satisfied with the explanation of hacking. A day after the incident, the PCB released an official statement confirming that Naseem Shah had breached his contractual obligations. The PCB said formal disciplinary action would be finalized after receiving their response.
The Pakistan Cricket Board stressed its strict stance on maintaining discipline and indicated that the management expected Naseem to explain his actions in relation to the removed post within a specific time frame.
“Naseem Shah is required to respond within the stipulated time. The PCB is committed to maintaining professional standards, contractual obligations and the integrity of the game.”
Although the PCB did not specify which rule was broken, reports suggest that Naseem breached clause 2.23 of the official code of conduct. This clause expressly prohibits any public criticism or inappropriate comments in relation to the PCB, its officials, its sponsors or relevant political stakeholders.
PCB implements strict policy on political expression among players
The PCB has recently adopted a strict policy against any political expression among its contracted cricketers. Last year, the PCB fined all-rounder Aamir Jamal over PKR one million for displaying a slogan in support of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the Test series against England.
Aamer Jamal wore a floppy hat displaying the number ‘804’, which refers to the prisoner number of Imran Khan, who is currently in jail. The PCB used this precedent to enforce strict compliance with its media policies, ensuring that players kept their political views separate from their careers.
Naseem Shah is currently scheduled to play his first Pakistan Super League 2026 match for Rawalpindi Pindies against Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday, March 28. It is uncertain whether the PCB will impose an immediate ban or allow him to play until the disciplinary process continues.
Also read: “Tu toh Alan Donald ban gaya hai” – Virat Kohli surprised by Venkatesh Iyer’s brilliant delivery in RCB nets
