Pakistan Bowler Naseem Shah Sparks Controversy Over Maryam Nawaz’s Treatment Pakistani cricketer Naseem Shah faced backlash after posting a controversial message on X questioning why PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz was treated like a “queen” during the Pakistan Super League opener on Thursday. The post, which has since been deleted, ignited a heated debate among Pakistanis, with supporters of Imran Khan and critics of Nawaz’s political influence weighing in. The incident occurred during the match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was present as a guest of honor. When the Pakistan Cricket Board shared a photo of her walking to the stage with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, Shah responded by asking, “Why is she being treated like the queen at Lords?” His comment reportedly led to a likely ban from the PCB, though he claimed his account was hacked. Reactions to Shah’s post were divided. Some praised him for challenging the political establishment, while others highlighted his past support for Imran Khan, referring to his fans as “youthiyas.” Critics accused him of using the controversy to deflect from his poor performance in international cricket, noting his lack of success for Pakistan and declining bowling skills. The debate also touched on the broader issue of politics influencing sports in Pakistan. Many questioned the PCB’s neutrality, given its leadership’s ties to the government. One user lamented, “Enough of politics in cricket, that’s why it’s ruined!” Others focused on the potential consequences for Shah, with one Twitter user warning, “Tough days ahead for Naseem.” References to Nawaz Sharif’s political legacy emerged as well.#naseem_shah #lahore_qalandars #hyderabad_kingsmen #maryam_nawaz #pml_n
Pakistan Cricketer Deletes Post Questioning Maryam Nawaz's 'Queen'-Like Treatment During PSL, Claims Account Hacked A Pakistani cricketer reportedly questioned the treatment given to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 before deleting the post, claiming his account had been hacked. The incident occurred during the season’s debut clash between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen on Thursday. The cricketer, Naseem Shah, shared his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), prompting widespread attention before the post was removed. Shah later clarified that his account had been compromised, stating the earlier comment did not reflect his personal views. Shah, a right-arm fast bowler signed by Rawalpindi Pindiz for PSL 2026, reportedly quoted a clip of Maryam Nawaz being greeted by PSL officials at Gaddafi Stadium. He wrote, “Why is she being treat (sic) like the queen at Lords?” The post was deleted within minutes, with Shah asserting that the content was not his intention. A tweet from a cricket journalist highlighted the incident, noting the post’s rapid removal and Shah’s subsequent clarification. The PSL 2026 season has been held without crowds due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, with matches taking place at just two venues. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the situation, stating that the Prime Minister had urged citizens to restrict movements due to a fuel crisis. He explained that schools were closed, work-from-home policies were implemented, and Eid holidays were extended. Naqvi emphasized that while the PSL would proceed as planned, the decision to hold matches without spectators was necessary to avoid overwhelming the public during the crisis.#naseem_shah #pakistan_super_league #mohsin_naqvi #maryam_nawaz #rawalpindi_pindiz
Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah sparks controversy with sarcastic remark about Maryam Nawaz, later deletes post Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah ignited a debate before the start of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) after posting a critical comment about Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Chief Minister, on social media. The post, which referred to Nawaz as “Queen,” was quickly removed, prompting speculation about its intent. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was the guest of honor at the opening match of the PSL at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. She was welcomed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who introduced her to franchise owners during the event. Shah, who is set to represent Rawalpindi Pindiz in the tournament, issued a clarification on X (formerly Twitter), stating that his account had been hacked but had since been recovered. Despite the controversy, no legal action has been taken against him, and he is expected to continue playing for his team, which is making its PSL debut this season. The PSL’s opening match also saw an unusual incident involving the Hyderabad Kingsmen’s jersey color. The team’s white jerseys turned the match ball pink and red during their game against Lahore Qalandars. Captain Marnus Labuschagne humorously addressed the issue, joking about the “pink-ball contest” and suggesting the color might have come from the players’ clothing. He noted that such an occurrence had never been seen before and expressed confidence that the problem would be resolved in future matches. The incident added to the buzz around the PSL’s opening day, which also featured other discussions, including debates over player rules and team strategies.#naseem_shah #pakistan_super_league #gaddafi_stadium #mohsin_naqvi #maryam_nawaz
Mike Hesson Pakistan coach breaks silence on Babar Azam exclusion after World Cup disaster Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has clarified that the absence of several senior players from the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh is not a punishment but a strategic decision to give emerging talent a chance to prove themselves. The team’s disappointing performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated before the knockout stage, led to the exclusion of experienced players like Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah from the squad for the three-match series. Hesson emphasized that the move was about experimentation and preparing for the next ODI World Cup, which will be held in the near future. Hesson stated, “I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves.” He explained that Pakistan has had limited opportunities to assess new talent in the 50-over format, and the Bangladesh tour offers a timely platform. Players like Sahabzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, and Maaz Sadaqat have shown strong performances in domestic cricket and junior sides, making them viable options for the squad. Hesson also noted that Bangladesh’s increased focus on one-day cricket makes the series a significant challenge, further justifying the decision to test younger players. Tensions within Pakistan’s cricket setup have also surfaced. Former Test pacer Sikander Bakht revealed that disagreements arose between Hesson and members of the selection panel regarding squad decisions during the World Cup. Bakht claimed that Hesson often overruled the selectors, with former international umpire Aleem Dar stepping down from his role amid dissatisfaction with the coach’s involvement in selection matters.#babar_azam #naseem_shah #mike_hesson #saim_ayub #sikander_bakht
National T20 Cup 2026: New captain named as Mohammad Rizwan excluded from Peshawar squad Peshawar Region has announced significant changes to its squad for the upcoming National T20 Cup 2026, which will be held at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar from 7 to 18 March. The tournament marks a leadership shift as wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has withdrawn from the competition. All-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has been appointed as the new captain of the Peshawar side. Rizwan’s absence has been addressed by the inclusion of all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who will feature in the tournament as his replacement. The squad for Peshawar Region includes Iftikhar Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Hussain (U21), Azam Khan, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Nawaz (guest), Israrullah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Shoaib (U21), Mohammad Imran Jnr, Nabi Gul, Sajid Khan, Usman Tariq, Waqar Ahmed, and Yasir Khan. The team’s opening matches will be against Lahore Whites on 7 March and Karachi Whites on 11 March. Lahore Whites have also strengthened their lineup by adding Pakistan stars Babar Azam and Naseem Shah to their squad. Both players, who were initially absent from the squad announcement, will now play under the captaincy of Aamir Jamal. The team has further bolstered its ranks with the inclusion of Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman. The tournament will feature 18 regional teams across 23 matches at the Peshawar venue, which previously hosted nine Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixtures in October and November 2025. The participating teams include Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Karachi Whites, Karachi Blues, Lahore Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, and Sialkot. The teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Lahore Whites, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi Whites, and Bahawalpur.#peshawar_region #imran_khan_cricket_stadium #lahore_whites #babar_azam #naseem_shah
