The Pakistan team players have been fined PKR 50 lakhs each after the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan also lostitsr group stage game to India in Colombo.
The decision has received negative feedback despite no official announcement from the board. Many past and current cricketers questioned the decision, wondering what the PCB hoped to achieve by imposing such a fine.
Out-of-favor Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has volunteered to pay the fines on behalf of the players, but only if the money is used to help the squad get back on track.
“Mein de deta hoon 50 lakh fine. Agar mulk theek ho raha hai ya cricket theek ho rahi hai khuda ki kasam, mein de deta hoon. Saare players ki jagah mein de deta hoon. Jitno ko bhi fine karna hai – mein de deta hoon (I'll pay the PKR 50-lakh fine. If the country is improving or cricket is getting better because of it, I swear to God, I'll pay it. I'll pay on behalf of all the players. Fine, whoever you want – I'll pay it.)," Shehzad said on Haarna Mana Hai.
“Will cricket really improve because of this? Will the country get back on the right track? Do the things that will actually fix cricket. We've already told you everything you need to do. Instead of doing these petty things – like fining someone because the performance wasn't good," he added.
???? Ahmed Shehzad ???????? says that he is ready to fix Pakistan's economy:
— Wren (@vyomanaut02) March 3, 2026
"If a fine of 50 lakh can fix Pakistan's economy or cricket then I am ready to pay on behalf of all the players.
If 'fine for losing' is the way forward then you'll have to fine PCT after every tournament." ???? pic.twitter.com/seeExQ87rS
Shehzad also criticized Pakistan's existing level of skill, warning that if they do not raise their standards, they will continue to be penalized.
“If someone deliberately underperformed, didn't sleep at night, or didn't follow the team plan, then it makes sense to fine them. But why fine them for losing? This is simply the level of ability these players have. How much will you keep penalizing them for that? You'll have to keep fining them again and again," he said.
Pakistan will now face Bangladesh in a three-ODI series in Bangladesh from March 11 onwards.
