Shahid Afridi has shared his views on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to fine players of the national cricket team after their disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup, calling the move “small thinking.”

 

Speaking to a local TV channel, Afridi said the fines did not address real issues behind the team’s poor performances.

 

“This decision is hard to understand. It is small thinking. What will you even do with 50 lakh rupees? This is not a real punishment,” Afridi said.

 

He suggested that players should be sent back to domestic cricket.

 

“I think the players who did not perform should be sent back to domestic cricket. There are some players who, in my view, should not return to the team for at least two years. These punishments are enough. And those who deserve a raise should be rewarded.”

 

The comments came after reports that the PCB fined each player five million rupees following the team’s early exit. According to sources quoted by an English daily, the decision was communicated to the squad immediately after the loss to India. 

 

Players were informed that future rewards would depend solely on results, with financial incentives linked to performance rather than reputation.

 

Pakistan’s campaign struggled to gain momentum at the tournament. The team narrowly avoided defeat against the Netherlands and beat the United States, but lost a key match against India despite favourable conditions. A win over Namibia helped Pakistan reach the Super 8 stage. 

 

However, a rain-hit match against New Zealand and a loss to England left the team relying on other results. A narrow win against Sri Lanka did not improve the net run rate enough, allowing New Zealand to advance to the semifinals and ending Pakistan’s tournament.

 

Board officials said the fines reflected the frustration felt by fans and were meant to reinforce accountability within the squad.

 

Under the current central contracts running from July 2025 to June 2026, players earn fixed monthly salaries in different categories, ranging from 7.5 lakh to 45 lakh rupees, with match fees paid separately.