Naseem Shah penalised PKR 2 crore for breach of central contract terms, social media guidelines

Pakistan and Rawalpindi Pindiz fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined PKR 2 crore by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for breaching the central contract terms and social media guidelines. 

Naseem had allegedly tweeted to criticise the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz recently. Although the tweet was deleted soon after it had been published the PCB took note of it and issued a show-cause notice to the bowler on March 27 to hear his side of the story. Post Naseem's submission, a disciplinary committee comprising three members held a hearing today which determined there were violations of multiple contractual terms and PCB guidelines on social media use.

"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," PCB media release stated.

The press release revealed that Naseem has terminated his contract with his social media adviser and the same has been blacklisted by the PCB, meaning they cannot manage the handles of any PCB-affiliated player now.

What did Naseem tweet?

Naseem quote-tweeted a PCB tweet about Nawaz arriving at the Gaddafi Stadium along with her entourage of cars. The quote read,"Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord's?". The tweet was deleted not long afterwards and the explanation given for the controversial post was that Naseem's account was hacked.

As a matter of fact, the PCB media release has not specified the clauses which have been violated but one of those is likely to be clause 2.23 which states "public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to the Board, any of its officials or sponsors or policies, the ICC or any of its officers or sponsors, Player, Player Support Personnel or Match Officials including umpires and match referees, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made".

Meanwhile, the right-armer had a forgettable outing on last Saturday against the Peshawar Zalmi. The 23-year-old conceded 51 runs in his spell of four overs without picking up any wicket.