Former Pakistan national cricket team captain Shahid Afridi is angry and dissatisfied with the fine imposed on the players for being eliminated from the fourth consecutive ICC tournament without reaching at least the semi-finals.
Pakistan failed to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. This is the fourth consecutive ICC tournament where Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockouts. They failed to make an impact in the ICC World Cup 2023, T20 World Cup 2024, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan reached the second group stage after losing their only group game to India. In the Super-8 group, they were in trouble after a poor match against New Zealand and a loss to England. They won their final game against Sri Lanka, but the margin was not enough to take their net run rate ahead of New Zealand’s NRR.
PCB imposed strange fine on Pakistani players after being out of T20 World Cup
The traveling Sri Lankan team has been punished for their disappointing campaign in the ICC tournament, after being eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup. Following his ejection, various media reports claimed that the penalty was issued right after India’s game, with the stipulation that the penalty could be waived if they reached the semi-finals.
Pakistan players have been fined PKR 50 lakh, which was not for disciplinary reasons but specifically for their poor performance in the T20 World Cup. However, this seems like a very nominal amount to scare away players.
Shahid Afridi demands strict action instead of financial punishment
Speaking to Samaa TV, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said he was surprised by the media reports, not because the players were fined, but because he felt the punishment was not harsh enough.
Shahid Afridi said, “This is a decision which is difficult to understand. It is narrow minded. It is a small amount. What would you do with Rs 50 lakh? It doesn’t even look like a fine.”
Shahid Afridi demanded strict action and suggested that underperforming players should be sent back to first-class cricket. He also suggested some players who should not be selected in the national team for the next two years.
Shahid Afridi said, “Players who have not performed well are sent to first-class cricket. I think there are some players who should not be in the team for at least two years. That is enough.”
Should PCB treat Sahibzada Farhan like other players?
The PCB has not yet addressed these reports and should probably consider excluding Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan from the list of players who have been fined. The opening batsman performed brilliantly in this edition of the cup.
Pakistan was strong on the batting front due to the exceptional contribution of experienced batsmen; Otherwise, they would have suffered a massive collapse, as happened against India, the only game when Farhan failed to contribute with the bat.
Also read: BCB issues strong statement on Bangladesh-Pakistan ODI series after PCB’s threat of cancellation