By Nawaz Gohar ; National pacer Naseem Shah, representing Rawalpindi in the eleventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been ruled out of the tournament for an indefinite period due to injury, dealing a major blow to the team at a crucial stage.

According to a report by a private TV channel, the PSL’s newest franchise, the Rawalpindi Pindis, has officially confirmed that fast bowler Naseem Shah will be sidelined indefinitely.

In a statement released by the team management, it was revealed that Naseem Shah sustained a side injury during the match against Karachi. Following a medical examination, doctors advised immediate rest, leading to his absence from the field for an unspecified duration.

The management stated that the team’s medical staff is closely monitoring the pacer’s rehabilitation process. There is a glimmer of hope that he might return to action for the final stages of the tournament, provided he achieves full recovery and receives fitness clearance. However, his ultimate return depends entirely on medical reports and fitness tests.

Expressing full solidarity with their star pacer, the Rawalpindi franchise affirmed that they are providing complete support to Naseem Shah to ensure his swift recovery and return to the pitch.

As of now, the team has not announced a replacement player, leading to widespread speculation regarding potential squad changes.

Notably, Naseem Shah was also embroiled in a controversy earlier this season. He was issued a show-cause notice and fined 20 million PKR over a controversial social media post. For now, however, all eyes remain on his health and potential comeback.

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By Nawaz Gohar : In a day of unprecedented disciplinary turmoil, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) technical committee have moved decisively against two of the nation’s most decorated cricketers. While speedster Naseem Shah has been hit with a historic financial penalty over a digital contract breach, explosive opener Fakhar Zaman is battling a Level 3 ball-tampering charge that could see him sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.

The PCB officially imposed a staggering Rs20 million fine on Naseem Shah on Monday, following a social media post that violated several core clauses of his central contract. The board’s action followed a show-cause notice issued on March 27 and a personal hearing before a three-member disciplinary committee.

Despite an “unconditional apology” from the pacer, the PCB maintained a zero-tolerance stance. In a move to set a wider precedent for player management, the board has permanently blacklisted Shah’s social media adviser, barring them from representing any player under the PCB’s jurisdiction.

Naseem Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) to distance himself from the controversy, claiming the lapse was a result of his management team’s oversight. “I take full responsibility for my platform and have implemented the necessary changes to ensure this does not happen again,” Shah stated, offering a sincere apology to the cricketing fraternity.

The “K-Town” Scandal: Fakhar Zaman Charged with Level 3 Offence
While Naseem deals with a financial blow, Lahore Qalandars’ mainstay Fakhar Zaman is fighting for his reputation. Zaman has been charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct for allegedly altering the condition of the ball during a high-stakes clash against Karachi Kings.

The controversy erupted just before the final over of the Kings’ innings. With 14 runs needed off 6 balls, umpires Faisal Afridi and his colleague inspected the ball and determined it had been tampered with. The fallout was immediate:

Five penalty runs were awarded to Karachi Kings.
The target was slashed to just 9 runs, shifting the momentum entirely.
Karachi’s Abbas Afridi capitalized, striking consecutive boundaries to seal a thrilling four-wicket win.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the charge relates to a huddle involving Fakhar, Haris Rauf, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi just before the final over. Fakhar has categorically denied the allegations before match referee Roshan Mahanama. A secondary hearing is scheduled within the next 48 hours.

The Stakes: If found guilty of a Level 3 offence, Fakhar Zaman faces a mandatory ban of at least one match, though guidelines suggest a more severe suspension could be on the horizon.

The back-to-back disciplinary strikes signal a paradigm shift in the PCB’s management style. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s post-match comments, expressing bewilderment at the penalty, suggest a growing friction between the franchise and officials. By hitting a marquee player with a record-breaking fine and holding a senior pro to a Level 3 charge, the PCB is sending a clear message: The sanctity of the game and the central contract supersede any individual stardom.

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Lahore : The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the outcomes of disciplinary committee proceedings pertaining to breaches of various clauses of Naseem Shah’s Central Contract and the PCB Social Media Guidelines.

The PCB had issued a show cause notice dated 27th March 2026 outlining the violations and sought a response for Naseem.

A personal hearing was then held by a three member Disciplinary Committee on 30th March 2025 after Naseem Shah’s reply had been received and reviewed.

Pursuant to the hearing and evaluation of Naseem’s submissions the Committee has determined as under:

Whilst noting the unconditional apology tendered, Naseem is found to have breached various clauses of his Central Contract and a fine of PKR 2 crores has been imposed.

It was noted that Naseem Shah’s social media adviser has already been terminated by Naseem and shall be blacklisted by the PCB from associating with any player falling under the PCB’s jurisdiction.

The PCB remains committed to upholding professional standards, contractual obligations and the integrity of the game.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  Ali Tareen, co-owner of the Multan Sultans, addressed the media today, offering a candid perspective on the professional management of cricketers’ digital footprints and the evolving landscape of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Addressing the recent social media controversy involving pacer Naseem Shah, Tareen clarified that most professional cricketers utilize dedicated handlers for their digital platforms due to rigorous schedules. He noted that automated or outsourced posting often continues even while players are active on the field.

“Naseem Shah’s recent statement on X (formerly Twitter) should be viewed through this lens—it was essentially a social media blunder rather than a deliberate personal stance,” Tareen explained.

In a significant update for cricket enthusiasts, Tareen hinted at a policy shift regarding stadium attendance. He expressed optimism that an official announcement regarding the return of fans to the stadiums is expected by tomorrow, potentially reversing recent restrictions.

Reflecting on his team’s recent performances, Tareen redirected credit away from himself, praising Gohar Shah for his exceptional skill in assembling a competitive squad within a limited timeframe. He emphasized a humble approach to team ownership: Custodianship: Tareen asserted that a franchise belongs to its fans; the owner serves merely as a temporary custodian. Atmosphere: He maintained that the true essence of cricket is lost without the energy of a live audience.

While acknowledging the massive success of the PSL—crediting the original five franchises for taking the initial risk when the league’s future was uncertain—Tareen called for continuous improvement. He specifically highlighted production quality as a critical area for development, noting that world-class broadcasting is essential to maintaining fan engagement and the league’s global prestige.

“PSL is a phenomenal brand embraced by the entire nation,” Tareen concluded, “but we must ensure the production matches the passion of the viewers.”

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Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show-cause notice to Naseem Shah, the fast bowler of the Rawalpindz PSL team and a national cricketer, for violating the terms of the Central Contract as well as the Media Policy and Regulations.

The show-cause notice has been served in accordance with the PCB’s disciplinary framework.

Naseem Shah is required to provide a response within the stipulated time. Upon receipt and review of his response, the PCB will decide on any further action in line with the regulations.

The PCB remains committed to upholding professional standards, contractual obligations, and the integrity of the game.

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Lahore, 21 March 2022:

Fast bowler Naseem Shah held an online press conference after the first day’s play in the third and final Benaud-Qadir Trophy, ICC World Test Championship match against Australia which began at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore today (Monday).

At stumps on day-one, Australia had reached 232 for five in their first innings, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets each for Pakistan.

The audio and video links of Naseem’s press conference are available here

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The right-arm pacer is featuring in the Central Punjab side in the ongoing National U19 One-Day Tournament.

Hunain made an impression with his pace and it seems the penchant for fast bowling runs in the family with the right-armer contributing a wicket (8 overs, 41 runs, 1 wicket) and producing sustained pace and hostility in his side’s four-wicket victory over Southern Punjab on Tuesday.

Hunain did not need to look far for inspiration as Naseem’s meteoric rise in the last one year convinced Hunain to take-up cricket. He has been playing club cricket in Lahore, the rigours of which have helped him learn the nuances of the game. For fast bowling tips and advice, he has Naseem ever-ready to share his knowledge.

“Even if Naseem is on a tour he maintains contact with me,” Hunain told pcb.com.pk. “When he speaks to me, he talks about his fast bowling experiences and gives me very useful tips. As he has worked with some of the best fast bowling coaches he has a lot to offer to somebody like me who has just started his cricketing journey.

“He speaks to me before my matches and offers a lot of help and guidance especially since I am striving to develop an out-swinger like him. https://www.youtube.com/embed/-_401dZ7XcQ

“I developed real interest in the game when I first saw Naseem playing for Pakistan on the TV screen; it was of course a proud moment for me and my family.”

Meanwhile, Naseem is fully backing his younger brother and feels he has the skills to become a quality fast bowler with his natural pace being a real bonus.

“I have four brothers and two sisters, and like me my both younger brothers are cricket-crazy,” said Naseem, the youngest bowler ever to record a Test hattrick. “Hunain really wants to do well as a fast bowler. He copies my action. Growing up we used to play tape-ball cricket at home, which was very competitive as both of us gave it all while enjoying the game.

“He decided to appear in U19 trials and the next thing I knew was that he was playing for Central Punjab U19. His progress makes me really happy. People are already impressed with his pace and for his age he is really bowling quickly. I wish him the best and, of course, would continue to support him.

“I feel his natural abilities can take him a long way and he should focus on bowling at full pace which will help him make an impression and achieve success at all levels of the game.” 

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The Babar Azam-led team will play Eoin Morgan’s England at Old Trafford, Manchester, from 28 August to 1 September.

Pakistan squad for England T20Is: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz.

Pakistan Head Coach and Chief Selector Misbah-ul-Haq: “This is mostly the same team which has been featuring in the shortest format for us. Besides retaining the core, we have inducted youngsters like Haider Ali, who has performed well in the HBL PSL, U19 and first-class cricket, and Naseem Shah as we had an opportunity to keep a bigger pool due to Covid-19 pandemic, which also increases our options. Our two experienced bowlers in Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz have also returned to the side, along with Fakhar Zaman and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“Usually, the T20I team comes together for a brief period but due to the current situation most of the players have been here with us for more than a month and it has provided us a good opportunity to work on the development of the team and the young players. So, even the players who might not get an opportunity to play will benefit from the experience they are getting here.

“It is going to be a competitive series as England are a strong side. We are looking forward to play good cricket and win the series.”

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Right-arm fast bowler Naseem Shah, who played four Tests for Pakistan, suffered a back injury two years ago and his career began to suffer prematurely.

He could not play in PSL and could not be a part of Emerging Asia Cup but then Naseem Shah got rid of injury and became a part of U-19 team after which he became a Test cricketer and played in PSL 5. Also succeeded.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Naseem Shah gave full credit to his mother for recovering from injury and returning to cricket.

Naseem Shah says that my mother has passed away but she gave me great courage.

“I remember my mother didn’t know much about cricket, she just knew I was sick and couldn’t play, she didn’t know anything else when she knew I was upset,” she said. ۔

Naseem Shah added that his mother used to say that never give up, believe in Allah, work hard from the heart, keep the intention clear, success will surely follow.

“My mother motivated me a lot and boosted my self-confidence, all the credit goes to my mother. During this time I got rid of the injury and now I am playing,” said the fast bowler.

He said that the staff of PCB and National Cricket Academy also worked hard. When I got injured, I was very young and very upset. Cricket was in my blood but I could not play. Was coming and all sorts of ideas were coming.

Naseem Shah said that it was a difficult time for me, I could not play PSL while Emer Jang was not available for the Asia Cup but kept myself positive, I still have the same goal that I want to improve my fitness. To maintain.

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Rawalpindi: History was made on Sunday when Naseem Shah, the 16-year-old right-arm pacer, became the youngest bowler to record a hattrick in Test cricket on day three of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Naseem turned the match on its head as he accounted for the wickets of Najmul Hossain Shanto (38), Taijul Islam (0) and Mahmudullah (0) after he was recalled into the attack by Pakistan captain Azhar Ali in the final minutes of the evening session.

Naseem recorded the hattrick in the last three balls of the 41st over as Bangladesh slipped from 124 for two to 124 for five. The pacer had broken a 39-run opening stand between Saif Hassan (16) and Tamim Iqbal (34) earlier in the day.

At the close of play, Bangladesh were 126 for six with another 86 runs remaining to avoid an innings defeat.

Yasir Shah was the other Pakistan bowler who was amongst the wicket-takers with two scalps.

Bangladesh looked to have found the rhythm after the dismissal of their openers as Najmul and captain Mominul Haque, who batted at 37 not out, put a 71-run partnership.

But, bowling second over in his last spell of the day, Naseem gave hosts a firm grip on the match before he left the field with a niggle in his left rib after bowling two balls of his ninth over.

Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 445.

Resuming his innings at 143, Babar Azam was out first ball. Asad Shafiq added only five runs to his overnight score to be dismissed at 65 as a flurry of early wickets lightened up the contest.

Haris Sohail, batting at six, scored his second half-century in Test cricket to help Pakistan set a lead of 212 runs. The left-handed batsman scored 75 runs and struck seven fours and two sixes.

Bangladesh’s pacers Abu Jayed and Rubel Hossain finished with three wickets each, while left-arm orthodox Taijul Islam took two wickets.

Mominul and Liton Das will resume Bangladesh’s innings on Monday on what will be the fourth day of the match.

Scores in brief

Bangladesh 233 all-out, 82.5 overs (Mohammad Mithun 63, Najmul Hossain Shanto 44, Liton Das 33, Mominul Haque 30; Shaheen Afridi 4-53, Haris Sohail 2-11, Mohammad Abbas 2-19) and 126-6, 45 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 38, Mominul Haque 37 not out, Tamim Iqbal 34; Naseem Shah 4-26, Yasir Shah 2-33)

Pakistan 445 all-out, 122.5 overs (Babar Azam 143, Shan Masood 100, Harish Sohail 75, Asad Shafiq 65; Abu Jayed 3-86, Rubel Hossain 3-113, Taijul Islam 2-139)

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