Punjab's Provincial Minister for Information and Culture has distanced the provincial government from the fine imposed on fast bowler Naseem Shah, saying that the matter falls entirely under the authority of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

 

Speaking to the media, the minister said, "Punjab government has nothing to do with the fine imposed on Nasim Shah. It is entirely the PCB's own code of conduct, and any action taken falls under their authority, not the Government of Punjab."

 

Asked for her personal take on the situation, she did not hold back. "It is better not to comment much, as there are hardly any positive words to describe it. He is a professional cricketer and should behave like one, not like a tout or troll."

 

The controversy started after a post on Naseem Shah's X account criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

 

The post, which showed a picture of the CM at the Gaddafi Stadium, and said, "Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord's" was later deleted. 

 

The PCB responded by issuing a show-cause notice to the fast bowler, which led to disciplinary proceedings and a fine of around twenty million rupees.

 

Naseem subsequently issued a public apology, stating that the post did not reflect his personal views and was uploaded by his management team. In a statement on X, he said he takes full responsibility for his account and has since made changes to prevent such incidents going forward. He also apologised to those affected.

 

Naseem Shah is currently representing Rawalpindiz in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).