LAHORE (Kashmir English): In a major setback to the RawalPindiz, fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 due to injury, the franchise said on Monday.
The team management confirmed that Shah has suffered a side injury during their recent clash against Karachi Kings on April 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
“The injury will keep Naseem Shah out of action for an unspecified duration,” the franchise said.
It added that its medical staff is closely monitoring his recovery process and will oversee his rehabilitation. The management expressed hope that the young fast bowler could return later in the tournament, subject to successful rehabilitation and medical clearance.
“We remain optimistic that after completing his rehab and regaining full fitness, Naseem Shah may rejoin the squad in the latter stages of the PSL,” the statement added.
The Pindiz emphasized that the team stands firmly with the right-arm pacer throughout his recovery and remains fully committed to supporting him.
The franchise described his presence in the squad as invaluable and said they look forward to seeing him back on the field, stronger than ever.
Naseem Shah’s absence is expected to be a significant setback for his side during the tournament, given his key role in the bowling attack.
It is pertinent to mention that the 25-year-old had a poor start in the ongoing tournament, taking just one wicket against the Kings and going wicketless while conceding 51 runs in his first match for Pindiz.
Naseem Shah’s tweet controversy
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) disciplinary committee imposed a fine of Rs 20 million on pacer Naseem Shah for violating various clauses of the central contract.
In a statement, the cricket board said that a three-member disciplinary committee found Naseem guilty of breaching “various clauses of the central contract and PCB social media guidelines”.
It said that the PCB had issued a show cause notice on March 27, 2026, outlining the violations and sought a response from Naseem. “Later, PCB’s disciplinary committee held a personal hearing on March 30 after Naseem Shah’s reply had been received and reviewed,” it added.
According to the PCB, the disciplinary committee, whilst noting the unconditional apology tendered, found Naseem to have breached various clauses of his Central Contract, and imposed a fine of PKR 2 crores.
Furthermore, it added that the committee noted that “Naseem Shah’s social media adviser shall be blacklisted by the PCB from associating with any player falling under the PCB’s jurisdiction.”
It was noted that Naseem Shah’s social media adviser has already been terminated by Naseem, the PCB stated.
The development came days after Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz attended the opening night of the 11th season of the HBL Pakistan Super League, regarding which a post had appeared on Naseem’s X account.
The post included a video of Maryam from the event with the caption, “Why is she treated like a queen at Lords?”
His tweet sparked widespread engagement across social media. However, the post was later deleted, and another post on Naseem’s account appeared, saying, “This account of Naseem was recently hacked but [is] now recovered successfully.”
