PCB fines entire squad PKR 5 million each after fourth straight ICC failure, netizens blame leadership

The Pakistan Cricket Board has imposed a PKR 5 million fine on every member of the national side after Pakistan missed the semi-finals of an ICC men’s event for the fourth successive time . The decision was effectively sealed following the team’s heavy defeat to India in the group stage, with officials signalling that automatic bonuses were over and future rewards would be strictly performance-linked.

Pakistan’s Super Eight exit unfolded swiftly. Their opening fixture against New Zealand was washed out, followed by a defeat to England that left qualification hanging by a thread. Although they defeated Sri Lanka in their final match, Pakistan finished third in the group behind England and New Zealand, ending another disappointing global campaign.

The controversy surrounding the punishment centres on Sahibzada Farhan , who was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 383 runs. He also became the first batter to register two centuries in a single edition of a T20 World Cup. His 176-run stand with Fakhar Zaman against Sri Lanka marked a record T20 World Cup partnership , yet he faces the same financial sanction as teammates who failed to cross even 100 runs individually. The uniform penalty has sparked debate over fairness and accountability.

Questions have also emerged over tactics and selection. Fakhar Zaman was not used as an opener in the early matches and only promoted for the must-win clash against Sri Lanka, where he responded with a blistering 84 off 42 deliveries. The delayed decision has drawn scrutiny toward the support staff.

Several netizens wrote that “if anyone deserves a fine, it is the chairman,” accusing the board’s leadership of mismanagement. Others argued that “the system is rotten from the top” and questioned why administrative and selection failures were not being addressed alongside player shortcomings.

With Mike Hesson under pressure and chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly weighing a major overhaul, uncertainty looms over captain Salman Ali Agha and senior batter Babar Azam. Critics argue that fines for on-field performance alone are rare in international cricket, and without visible structural reform, the PCB risks appearing reactive rather than reform-driven.