Pakistan's Star Player Offers To Pay PKR 50 Lakh Fine For T20 World Cup Squad

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 (Source:X)

Pakistan’s disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked widespread controversy. As per several reports, the PCB reportedly fined each player PKR 50 lakh for the team’s poor performance.

Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals, suffering a heavy 61-run defeat to India in their Group A clash and later lost by two wickets to England in the Super 8 stage.

PCB to impose heavy fine after disappointing T20 World Cup campaign

According to reports, the PCB, under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, expressed its dissatisfaction with the team’s performance and imposed financial penalties on the players.

Renowned Pakistani journalist Saleem Khaliq confirmed on X that each member of the squad was fined 5 million Pakistani rupees for underperforming.

Although the PCB has yet to officially comment on the fines, the move has drawn criticism from former cricketers, who questioned whether such punishments actually improve the team's performance.

Ahmed Shehzad volunteers to pay fines on behalf of players

In a surprising move, Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad offered to pay the PKR 50-lakh fine on behalf of his teammates.

Speaking on the program Haarna Mana Hai, Shehzad said he would pay the fine if it actually helps the team or cricket in the country.

“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 added that fines would only make sense if a player deliberately underperformed, ignored team plans, or failed to give his best effort.

“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 penalising them for that? You’ll have to keep fining them again and again," he said.

PCB likely to make big changes after Pakistan's early exit

The fallout from Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup could have long-term consequences for the team. Reports suggest that the PCB may make significant changes to the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Some of Pakistan’s star players, including Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, could be dropped as the board looks to restructure the squad and address performance issues.