'Two-year ban rok di': How Mohsin Naqvi saved Naseem Shah's career in last-minute call
Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah narrowly avoided a two-year ban for a controversial social media post, with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi reportedly intervening to impose a PKR 20 million fine instead. The pacer had criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's presence at a PSL game.
NEW DELHI: Naseem Shah was reportedly facing a two-year ban, but a last-minute decision to impose only a fine saved his career, according to former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali. The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday imposed a PKR 20 million (USD 72,000) fine on the 23-year-old for a controversial social media post criticising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s presence at the PSL opening game during an ongoing Middle East conflict. Maryam is the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and niece of incumbent PM Shehbaz Sharif.
"Why is she being treated like the Queen at Lords? " Naseem had posted in reference to Maryam, before deleting the post. Basit said it was due to PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi that Naseem’s career was saved.
He claimed Naqvi advised against imposing a ban on the pacer, who has played 20 Tests, 34 ODIs and 37 T20Is so far. “Naseem Shah bahut lucky hain. Jo andar ki khabar hai, main bata deta hoon — un par 2 saal ki pabandi lagne wali thi.
Jo aap committee ki baat kar rahe hain, unhone yeh keh diya tha. Iska credit Mohsin Naqvi ko jata hai. Unhone mana kar diya ki nahi, pabandi na lagayein, aap fine kar dein — uska future hai.