Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has addressed widespread reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imposed fines on national players following the team’s disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, emphasizing that the board has not made any official announcement.
The topic has dominated discussion around Pakistan cricket as the national side prepares for its upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, with speculation circulating that players were penalized financially after the team failed to reach the semi-finals.
Rizwan questions reports of penalties
Speaking to reporters during Pakistan’s training camp ahead of the Bangladesh tour, Rizwan said neither he nor the players have received any formal confirmation about disciplinary action.
“Many people have asked me about this, and even players have been asked, but so far nothing official has come forward. If the PCB officially states that there is a fine of fifty lakh or that the management has imposed penalties, then I could comment on it,” Rizwan told reporters.
“But since nothing official has been announced yet, and these reports have only appeared in the news.
“I can only say that such claims raise questions in my mind about how these things are being presented when nothing official has been issued.”
Media reports have suggested that the PCB imposed a PKR 5 million (around USD 18,000) fine on each member of the World Cup squad following Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament.
Pakistan’s World Cup exit and the fine reports
Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament after failing to reach the semi-finals, with the team’s campaign ending amid heavy scrutiny over performances in the group stage.
ESPNcricinfo reported that the penalties were introduced after Pakistan’s loss to India, with players told the fines could be waived if the team progressed to the semi-finals. That scenario did not materialize after Pakistan failed to secure the required result against Sri Lanka.
Rizwan previously defended the team’s overall showing, noting that the elimination came down to fine margins.
“Pakistan went out of the event on net run rate, not because of losing outright,” he said.
Selection decisions raise further questions
The fallout from the tournament has also spilled into Pakistan’s squad selection for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.
Former captain Babar Azam and several other regular players, including Saim Ayub, were left out of the ODI squad as selectors reshaped the team following the World Cup.
Rizwan was asked whether players might be judged across formats — particularly if performances in T20 cricket were influencing ODI selection decisions.
“Such thoughts can come to anyone’s mind, and perhaps they come to the minds of our people as well — that if a player is dropped from ODIs due to T20 performances,” Rizwan stated.
“But, I believe the selection committee can answer this better, because they know the thinking behind such decisions. If I answer, I may not be fully aware of what happens in their meetings.”
Bangladesh ODI series marks Pakistan’s next test
Pakistan have already arrived in Dhaka for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled to run from March 11 to March 15 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
The series will be Pakistan’s first international assignment since the T20 World Cup, coming as the team looks to move forward from the disappointment of the tournament.
During the media interaction, Rizwan was also asked about India’s progress in the competition but made it clear he does not follow their matches.
“Sorry, I don’t watch their matches,” said Rizwan.
As Pakistan begin their post-World Cup schedule, the Bangladesh series could offer the first indication of how the team plans to reset following a tournament that sparked renewed debate about performance, selection and accountability within the national setup.
