Naseem Shah and Maryam Nawaz Sharif in collage. Credits: ACC/AFPThe Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) kick-started on Thursday behind closed doors as the fans are not allowed to witness the action from stadiums due to fuel shortages in the country. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had a special arrangement for the VIPs, including Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The PCB shared a special video featuring Maryam Nawaz, which was recorded when the CM attended the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore before the PSL 2026 inaugural match. She was greeted by PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB officials, before the players from Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen also met her. However, the special treatment the Punjab CM received was unpraised by some in the country, including Pakistan international Naseem Shah. The fast bowler mocked the PCB for its special treatment, sparking controversy on social media. What did Naseem Shah say against Punjab CM?After PCB posted a video of the Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, Naseem Shah took to his X (formerly called Twitter) handle and criticised the board for special treatment of the VIP and her family amidst the crisis situation in Pakistan, which has led the fans not to witness the PSL 2026 from stadiums.Using his social media handle, Naseem asked whether the CM is the “Queen of England”? He also stated that the CM mimicked being like the "Queen at Lord’s"."Why is she treated like the queen at lords?" Naseem Shah had posted on his X handle.Rayham. @RayhamUnplugged Deleted tweet of Naseem Shah. 🤯 Mar 26, 2026, 9:59 PM Although Naseem Shah deleted the post in no time, it was enough to stir controversy on social media, with some users calling it the end of the 23-year-old's career. As some fans have been backing Naseem for standing up for his post, few backers of the Chief Minister are opening calling the cricketer to an apology. Also Read: Marnus Labuschagne Humiliates Mohsin Naqvi’s PSL After Ball Colour Change, Team Release StatementHere are reactions from users after Naseem Shah's post: Mr Zohaib @Zohaibfan Naseem Shah spotted with his manager at PCB headquarters 🏏 #HBLPSL11 #PSL2026 #PSLNewEra Mar 27, 2026, 12:22 AM Rohit @Iam_Rohit_G He is Naseem Shah, He is an Imran Khan Fan since Childhood. After the 2023 World Cup Naseem Shah was injured and needed a Surgery and Rehab in London. Due to his closeness to Imran Khan, PCB asked him to visit London on his own expenses. Naseem due to lack of money had to Mar 26, 2026, 10:22 PM iffi @iffiViews Naseem Shah’s manager handling his career Mar 26, 2026, 11:10 PM Babar Khan @Babaristic In the World full of Shaheen be like Naseem Shah 💛 Mar 27, 2026, 12:39 AM Ayaz Rehmanⁱᴾⁱᵃⁿ🐣 @Ayaz_Rehman_AR7 نسیم کا نو بال پر چھکا اللّه خیر کرے کہی کیریئر ہی نہ چھین لے یہ ظالم لوگ "Naseem Shah" Mar 27, 2026, 12:33 AM Shahzad. @TsMeShahzad 🚨 Naseem Shah career finished 😭 Blud can't speak Urdu how he can type in English ? Mar 26, 2026, 9:50 PM Faizan Shaikh @FaiziWithKhan Naseem shah explaining his tweet against MNS Mar 26, 2026, 11:36 PM Salar Wazir PTI @AmirSalar_Wazir نسیم شاہ نے باؤنسر پر کوئین کا ہیلمٹ توڑ دیا۔ محسن نقوی کے کال کرنے کے بعد ٹویٹ ڈیلیٹ کر دی گئی ہے۔ کوئی بات نہیں بھائی، ہم آپ سے راضی ہیں اور ہم سب آپ کو حقیقت لکھنے پر خراجِ تحسین پیش کرتے ہیں۔🫡🫠🤣 Mar 27, 2026, 1:08 AM In which team will Naseem Shah play in PSL 2026?During the inaugural PSL auctions, Naseem Shah became the most expensive buy for the season. The right-arm quick was acquired by the RawalPindiz for a hefty price tag of PKR 8.65 crore. Debuting in the PSL back in 2019, Naseem has become a household name among fans. He initially played for the Quetta Gladiators before becoming the go-to man for the Islamabad United. He has played 50 games in the league, taking 50 wickets at an economy of 8.17. Naseem has won two championships in his young career, with the Gladiators in PSL 2019 and then with the United in PSL 2024. Touted as the future of Pakistan, Naseem did well for the Desert Vipers as they lifted the trophy in the ILT20 2025/26 season. The seamer bagged 12 wickets in eight innings, at an economy rate of 6.97, including his 3/18 in the final against MI Emirates. The youngster was a part of the Pakistan squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, but he fell behind the pecking order after Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza. He just played a solitary game in the tournament. Can Naseem Shah get banned by PCB?Although there has been no official statement made by the Pakistan Cricket Board or Naseem Shah, there is speculation hovering around a potential ban on the cricketer. However, the board can't ban a cricketer on such grounds, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) never allows a full-member to do such a practise. Though the controversy has grown big in the country, with fans asking for action against Naseem. Nevertheless, Naseem Shah is scheduled to be seen in action on Saturday (March 28), when his franchise makes its PSL debut against the Peshawar Zalmi in Lahore. Also Read: MS Dhoni Gives His CSK Position To Sanju Samson
