PCB Fines Pakistan Players PKR 50 Lakh Each After T20 World Cup Failure

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly fined every member of Pakistan’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad PKR 5 million (approximately Rs 16,38,228) each after what it described as a deeply unsatisfactory campaign.

Pakistan’s failure to reach the semifinals marked the fourth straight T20 World Cup edition in which they fell short of the last four — an unprecedented slump in the team’s history. The disappointing run prompted the PCB to take strict action against the entire squad.

According to reports by ESPNCricinfo, the fines were strictly performance-based and not linked to any disciplinary violations. The decision was taken shortly after Pakistan’s heavy 61-run defeat to India in the group stage — a setback that significantly derailed their tournament hopes. Players were reportedly informed that the penalties could be reviewed if the team managed to qualify for the semifinals.

Although Pakistan avoided a third consecutive first-round exit by progressing to the Super Eight stage, their campaign soon lost momentum. A washout against New Zealand was followed by a defeat to England, leaving Pakistan dependent on other results. New Zealand’s commanding win over Sri Lanka further diminished Pakistan’s qualification chances, and their own victory against Sri Lanka proved insufficient to secure a semifinal berth.

Historically, the PCB has imposed penalties for disciplinary reasons, but this instance stands out as the fines were purely related to on-field performance. No internal disputes or off-field controversies were reported during the tournament, making the across-the-board punishment unusual.

The current PCB administration has shown a willingness to adopt a hardline approach following major tournament setbacks. Last year, after Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in the Asia Cup final, the board temporarily suspended No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) that permitted players to feature in overseas T20 leagues. That decision was later reversed, allowing several key players to participate in Australia’s Big Bash League.

Despite the overall team disappointment, there were individual highlights. Sahibzada Farhan delivered a record-breaking performance, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and becoming the only player to score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.