Former skipper Shahid Afridi has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to slap a fine of PKR 50 lakh each on Pakistani players for their disappointing performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the move to penalize the players was made right after Pakistan’s 61-run thrashing at the hands of India in the group stage.
Salman Ali Agha and his men were reportedly told the fines may end up being waived off if Pakistan reached the semi-finals, but they failed to go beyond the Super 8 phase of the tournament.
Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi called the proposed punishment “small thinking” and ineffective.
“Na samajh me aane wali decision hai. Chhoti soch hai. 50 lakh rupaiye bhi kya karenge. Mere khyaal me yeh koi jurmana nahi hai,” Afridi said, questioning the logic behind imposing financial penalties.
Instead, Shahid Afridi stressed the need for structural correction. “Jinhone perform nahi kiya, unhe first-class cricket me bheja jaye. Kuch aise bhi players hai, jo main samajhta hoon ki do saal se pahle Pakistan team me nahi wapas aane chahiye. Yeh sajaye kaafi hai,” he suggested.
Afridi also called for better workload management. “Jinhe rest dena chahiye unhe rest de diya jaye. Players ke ander changes le kar aaye, yeh sajaye kaafi hai,” he remarked.
The Men in Green began their T20 World Cup campaign on a nervy note, almost enduring a loss against the Netherlands. The team then defeated the USA but were crushed by arch-rivals India.
Pakistan went on to defeat Namibia in their last Group A clash and qualify for the Super 8s. Their opening fixture against New Zealand in the Super 8s was washed out, forcing both teams to share points. Following this, they endured a loss against England, which left their fate hanging as far as the contention for semifinals were concerned.
Although England’s win over New Zealand gave Pakistan hope, they failed to make it count against co-hosts Sri Lanka. The 2009 champions won the match but couldn’t overtake the Kiwis on Net Run Rate to enter the semis.
