Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup has triggered a strong reaction from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with a heavy financial penalty reportedly slapped on the national side. According to an Express Tribune report, every player in the squad has been fined PKR 5 million (about Rs 16.28 lakh) after the team failed to reach the semifinals of the tournament.
The decision is understood to have followed the group-stage defeat against India, which severely dented Pakistan’s qualification hopes. Losses against stronger opponents and an inconsistent campaign meant that even a tight win over Sri Lanka could not rescue their chances.
Pakistan’s journey in the competition never truly gathered momentum. The side suffered a crucial loss to India and later went down to England in the Super 8 stage. Although they managed a narrow victory over Sri Lanka, the result came too late to alter their fate.
Despite ending their tournament with a win, the overall showing left fans and officials frustrated. The board reportedly viewed the repeated inability to progress deep into ICC tournaments as unacceptable, prompting disciplinary action.
The disappointing campaign has put several senior figures under scrutiny. Former captain Babar Azam, current skipper Salman Ali Agha and experienced players Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz have all faced heavy criticism from fans and experts. Reports suggest Agha may relinquish the captaincy after the team returns home.
Meanwhile, former coach Saqlain Mushtaq has also drawn backlash after he defended Shadab Khan’s performances and attributed blame to head coach Mike Hesson.
With mounting criticism and the PCB’s financial penalties, Pakistan cricket now faces a period of reassessment as calls grow louder for structural and selection changes ahead of future ICC events.
