Pakistan’s disappointing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign continues to generate fallout, with debate intensifying over reported financial penalties reportedly imposed on the national squad.
Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has now entered the conversation with a striking proposal: he says he is willing to personally cover the fines imposed on the players — but only if the move genuinely improves Pakistan cricket.
According to a report by Express Tribune’s Saleem Khaliq, each member of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad was fined PKR 5 million (approx. US$ 18K) after the team failed to reach the tournament’s semifinals. The Pakistan Cricket Board has not officially confirmed the penalties, but the reported decision has sparked criticism from several former players and observers.
Ahmed Shehzad questions PCB’s punishment approach
Speaking on the Haarna Mana Hai show, Shehzad openly challenged whether monetary penalties can meaningfully address deeper issues in Pakistan cricket.
“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 said.
Shehzad suggested that disciplinary action should only be applied when players fail to follow professional standards or deliberately neglect team responsibilities, rather than when results simply reflect performance levels.
“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.
Offer to pay fines on behalf of Pakistan squad
While criticising the reported punishment, Shehzad also made a surprising offer during the discussion — volunteering to pay the fines himself if the measure genuinely benefits Pakistan cricket.
“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 5 Million 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.
His remarks add to the broader criticism surrounding the reported disciplinary action, with several former players questioning whether financial sanctions are the right tool to address Pakistan’s recent struggles on the field.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit triggers wider scrutiny
Pakistan’s campaign ended well short of expectations during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the team suffered a heavy 61-run defeat to India in the group stage and later lost by two wickets to England in the Super 8 phase, eliminating them from semifinal contention.
The early exit has prompted scrutiny of the team’s structure and performance levels, with reports suggesting the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering broader changes to the squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Amid that backdrop, Shehzad’s comments highlight a growing debate within Pakistan cricket over accountability, performance standards, and whether financial penalties alone can drive meaningful improvement.
