Pakistan cricket star handed massive $105k fine for deleted social media post

FOX SPORTS - Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has been hit with a massive AU$105,000 fine for a deleted social media post that appeared to criticise Punjab’s chief minister Maryam Nawaz.

Last week, Nawaz attended the Pakistan Super League season opener between the Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, with the PCB’s Twitter account uploading footage of the politician greeting players before the match.

Shah’s Twitter account reportedly shared the video and captioned the post: “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?”

The tweet was quickly deleted, with the account later posting: “This account of Naseem was recently hacked but now recovered successfully.”

On Monday, the PCB released a statement confirming a three-member disciplinary committee found that Shah had breached various clauses of his central contract and the organisation’s social media guidelines. The 23-year-old, who apologised and sacked his social media manager, was subsequently fined KR 20 million (about US$72,000), believed to be the largest fine in Pakistan cricket history, according to ESPNcricinfo.

“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,” the PCB statement read.

“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.”

Shah posted an apology to Twitter on Tuesday morning AEDT.

“A recent post from my account was made by my management team and does not reflect my views,” he tweeted.

“I take full responsibility for my platform and have implemented the necessary changes to ensure this does not happen again.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by this misuse of my platform.”

Shah was the most expensive player at this year’s PSL Auction, signed by the Rawalpindi Pindiz for PKR 86.50 million (AU$452,00).