Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said that fast bowler Naseem Shah faced a serious two-year ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The cricketer-turned-expert said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally intervened at the last moment to prevent a career-threatening suspension.
It is noteworthy that PCB has imposed a huge fine of PKR 20 million on the right-arm fast bowler. The strict disciplinary action came after Naseem violated his central contract by posting a controversial comment on social media regarding Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening match of the tournament.
Naseem Shah was facing two-year ban – Basit Ali credits Mohsin Naqvi
Basit Ali revealed that the internal disciplinary committee had discussed a two-year ban for Naseem. He said that Mohsin Naqvi saved Naseem Shah’s long-term sporting future from suspension.
Basit said, “Naseem Shah is very lucky. Let me tell you the inside story – he was facing a two-year ban. The committee you are referring to had already indicated that. Credit goes to Mohsin Naqvi. He refused and said no, don’t ban – just fine him. He has a future and he can pay money, but you shouldn’t play with someone’s career.”
Basit Ali also raised questions on the responsibility of centrally contracted players. The former cricketer said that Naseem and his management team should read all the contract terms carefully to avoid big mistakes that can derail entire international careers.
“When players sign the central contract, all these clauses are clearly mentioned. Why don’t they read them at that time? And why do they send it to their manager instead? A mistake has been made – whether you say it was by the manager or by Naseem Shah. Otherwise, there would have been a two-year ban. And two years is a long time.”
Why is she being treated like a queen at Lord’s? -Naseem Shah on Maryam Nawaz
Controversy arose when Naseem reacted to a PCB media post that showed Maryam Nawaz interacting with players. He made a direct attack on the political figure during the Pakistan Super League by posting a controversial question on his official social media account.
“Why is she being treated like the Queen of the Lords?”
The Pakistan Cricket Board issued an official statement confirming that Naseem has tendered an unconditional apology but has been fined heavily after being found guilty of breaching his central contract.
“Naseem’s response was reviewed by the committee, and after evaluating everything, it has been determined that Naseem has been found to have violated various clauses of his central contract, and a fine of PKR 2 crore has been imposed,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board addressed the involvement of Naseem’s management team. The board said it took administrative action against the social media consultant responsible for handling its accounts.
“It was noted that Naseem Shah’s social media advisor has already been dismissed by Naseem and that he will be blacklisted by the PCB from associating with any player who comes under the jurisdiction of the PCB.”
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