Punjab Sports Minister Warns Naseem Shah After PSL 11 Social Media Controversy
Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Khokhar has sparked controversy after issuing a strong warning to fast bowler Naseem Shah over a viral social media post during PSL 11. The remarks have added a new dimension to an already sensitive situation involving player conduct and public statements.
According to reports, Khokhar criticized the pacer’s behavior and stated that the punishment given to him was already lenient. He cautioned that further incidents could have serious consequences for the player’s career, including his place in the national side.
The issue began when a post surfaced from Naseem Shah’s account during the PSL 11 opening ceremony. The post appeared to criticize the extensive security arrangements for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. It quickly gained attention online before being deleted.
Naseem Shah later clarified that his account had been hacked and distanced himself from the post. He issued an unconditional apology, stating that the content was shared without his approval and was handled by his management team.
Following the incident, the cricketer parted ways with his social media adviser, who was reportedly blacklisted by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The PCB also imposed a hefty fine of Rs. 20 million and introduced stricter guidelines for players regarding social media usage.
The controversy comes at a difficult time for Naseem Shah, who is currently dealing with an injury. During a recent PSL match, he experienced discomfort under his left ribcage while bowling and had to leave the field. He was later ruled out of a key fixture due to a side strain.
His return to cricket will depend on further medical assessments, adding uncertainty to both his fitness and professional situation. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussions around athlete accountability, digital conduct, and the growing influence of social media in modern sports.
