Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has made a startling claim regarding fast bowler Naseem Shah, saying that pacer narrowly avoided a two-year ban after intervention from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

 

During a recent TV program, Basit said that internal discussions initially moved towards a harsh punishment, but the PCB chief stepped in to stop the proposed ban.

 

“Naseem Shah is very lucky. From what I know inside, he was about to get a two-year ban. The committee had already decided it,” Basit said.

 

He added that Naqvi played a key role in replacing the ban with a financial penalty.

 

“Credit goes to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He stopped it and said do not impose a ban. Fine him instead, because he has a future. You can fine him. He plays PSL and earns money, he also has a central contract. But do not destroy someone’s career,” he added.

 

Basit further argued that financial penalties are sufficient in such cases and warned that long bans can seriously damage a player’s career.

 

Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal also backed a softer approach, saying that Naseem Shah should now focus fully on cricket.

 

“He should be thankful. It is not about money. The PCB has taken a lenient approach. He should now focus on his cricket,” he said.

 

The controversy began after a now-deleted post from Naseem Shah’s X account criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, prompting the PCB to issue a show-cause notice.

 

Following disciplinary proceedings, the PCB imposed a fine of around twenty million rupees on the fast bowler.

 

Naseem Shah later issued a public apology, clarifying that the post did not reflect his personal views and was shared by his management team.

 

In his statement on X, he said he takes full responsibility for his account and has since implemented changes to prevent such incidents in the future. He also apologised to those affected by the post.