Punjab Sports Minister Threatens Naseem Shah Over Viral Tweet During PSL 11

Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Khokhar has publicly criticized RawalPindiz pacer Naseem Shah over a controversial social media post during 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11).

The sports minister warned that the fast bowler could lose his place in the national side if he does not “control his tongue.”

According to reports, Khokhar said the punishment handed to Naseem was already lenient and added that the player should be careful with his language going forward. He said,

The fine on Naseem Shah is very generous. He’s a good player, but he should control his tongue. If he doesn’t, he will be out of the team.

The controversy stems from a post allegedly shared from Naseem Shah’s account during the PSL 11 opening ceremony. The post threw shade at the heavy security protocol for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The post was later deleted. Naseem Shah subsequently said his account had been hacked and later issued an unconditional apology. He claimed the post had been made by his management team without his approval.

Following the incident, Naseem parted ways with his social media adviser, who was later blacklisted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The PCB also took disciplinary action and imposed a Rs. 20 million fine on the fast bowler. Reports said the board has also introduced tighter instructions for players regarding future social media activity.

The controversy comes at a time when Naseem Shah is already unavailable for RawalPindiz due to injury. During the side’s match against Karachi Kings on April 2, he left the field after feeling discomfort under his left ribcage while bowling.

He was subsequently ruled out of the Twin City Derby against Islamabad United on April 4 because of the side strain. His return to action will depend on the results of further medical scans.

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