Kamal Ghorui
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has launched a scathing attack on the decision to fine players PKR 5 million each following their early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, calling the proposed punishment “small thinking” and ineffective.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Reacting on Samaa TV, Afridi did not mince words. “Na samajh me aane wali decision hai. Chhoti soch hai. 50 lakh rupaiye bhi kya karenge. Mere khyaal me yeh koi jurmana nahi hai,” he said, questioning the logic behind imposing financial penalties.
Instead of fines, Afridi demanded structural correction. “Jinhone perform nahi kiya, unhe first-class cricket me bheja jaye. Kuch aise bhi players hai, jo main samajhta hoon ki do saal se pahle Pakistan team me nahi wapas aane chahiye. Yeh sajaye kaafi hai,” he asserted, suggesting that some players should be kept out of the national side for at least two years based on performance.He also called for better workload management. “Jinhe rest dena chahiye unhe rest de diya jaye. Players ke ander changes le kar aaye, yeh sajaye kaafi hai. 50 lakh…mera nahi khayal ki aisa koi officially koi PCB ke taraf se koi statement nahi aayi hai na,” Afridi added, hinting that no formal statement had yet been issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment after failing to qualify for the semi-finals. They suffered defeats to arch-rivals India and England, while their Super Eight clash against New Zealand was washed out. Though they beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match, it wasn’t enough to keep their hopes alive.Sources indicate the PCB is considering financial penalties, with some claiming PKR 5 million per player is on the table. However, Afridi’s explosive remarks have shifted the focus from fines to accountability, selection reforms and long-term corrective measures.
