Amidst the ongoing franchise leagues across the world, Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has come into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. A social media post from his ‘X’ account created a controversy in Pakistan cricket. Following the initial phase of the controversial act by the cricketer, a verified account in ‘X’ claimed that Naseem Shah was kidnapped by unknown persons.
The claim shared on the social media account is undoubtedly sensational, but is it true that the star cricketer was kidnapped? The latest updates and media reports do not suggest so.
Pakistan’s star fast bowler and cricketer of Pakistan Super League (PSL) new team Rawalpindi Pindiz Naseem Shah has targeted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The post was soon removed from the platform, but it had already caught the attention of many, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
On the bus
Pakistani cricket star Naseem Shah was kidnapped by unknown people an hour ago. pic.twitter.com/dGT1IZvbqm– Islamabad Post (@ISBPost) 30 March 2026
What is the main reason behind the controversy related to Naseem Shah?
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the interior minister of the government, announced that due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and limited amount of fuel due to the West Asia crisis, the PSL 2026 matches will be held without spectators at the venues.
However, some dignitaries are present at the Gaddafi Stadium for the opening match of the league. Notable guests included Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and niece of current Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Maryam reached the stadium under heavy security cover, which included several cars. He also met the players of Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.
Shah apparently criticized a high-profile politician of Pakistan
Meanwhile, the post ‘Why is she treated like a queen at Lord’s?’ from Naseem Shah’s official ex was shared, which was soon deleted. To clarify, the cricketer claimed that his account was hacked.
The PCB was not encouraged by Shah’s explanation and accused him of “violating the terms of his central contract”. The board also issued a show cause notice. It is not yet clear which terms and conditions they have actually violated.
Reaction after controversial social media post
According to an ESPN report, “It appears to relate to clause 2.23 of the PCB’s Code of Conduct. It states that public criticism or inappropriate comments of the Board, any of its officials or sponsors or its policies, the ICC or any of its officials or sponsors, players, player support personnel or match officials, including umpires and match referees, is not permitted, regardless of when such criticism or inappropriate comments are made”.
There are solid reports that PCB has taken strict action against Naseem Shah for expressing his political views. Did he kidnap? At present this claim appears to be false on social media.
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