PCB Issues Notice to Naseem Shah Over Deleted Maryam Nawaz Tweet

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has served a show-cause notice to fast bowler Naseem Shah after a controversial social media post targeting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was briefly published and later deleted.

The post, shared from Naseem’s X (formerly Twitter) account, appeared to question Nawaz’s high-profile presence at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) opening match, where spectators were otherwise restricted due to logistical challenges linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. The tweet read, “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” before being swiftly removed.

Shortly after, a follow-up message from the same account claimed it had been “hacked” and subsequently recovered. However, the PCB has not accepted that explanation at face value and has initiated disciplinary proceedings, stating the original post violated both the terms of Naseem’s central contract and the board’s media and conduct regulations.

While the PCB did not specify the exact clause breached, its code of conduct prohibits public criticism or inappropriate comments about officials, institutions, or related stakeholders. The board said further action would depend on Naseem’s response to the notice.

The incident highlights the PCB’s increasingly strict stance on players’ public and political expressions. In recent times, the board has taken disciplinary measures against players for similar conduct, reinforcing its efforts to maintain professionalism and neutrality.

Naseem, who is part of Rawalpindi Pindiz’s squad for PSL 2026, is expected to feature in their upcoming match against Peshawar Zalmi. The timing of the controversy adds an off-field distraction as the young pacer prepares for the new season.

The PCB’s final decision will be closely watched, as it could set another precedent regarding player conduct and social media use in Pakistan cricket.

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