Naseem Shah and Maryam Nawaz Sharif in collage. Credits: ACC/AFP
The 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.
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.
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Here are reactions from users after Naseem Shah's post:
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.
