Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has launched a scathing attack on the decision to fine the players PKR 5 million each following their early exit from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, calling the proposed punishment “small thinking” and ineffective.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Responding to Samaa TV, Afridi did not mince her words. “There is no decision to join the company. It is a small thought. What will even Rs 50 crore do? In my opinion, it is not a punishment,” he said, questioning the logic of imposing financial penalties.
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Instead of fines, Afridi demanded a structural remedy. “Those who have not performed should be sent to first-class cricket. There are some players who I think did well a year ago, should not be back in the Pakistan team. That is enough,” he said, adding that some players should stay out of the national team for at least two years based on performance.He also called for better workload management. “Those who need rest should be given rest. Making more changes to the players is enough. 50 lakh… I don’t think there is anything like that officially, no statement has come from the PCB,” Afridi added, hinting that no formal statement has been issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) yet.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 scrapped. Although they beat Sri Lanka in their last Super Eight match, it was not enough to keep their hopes alive.Sources suggest that the PCB is considering financial penalties, with some saying that PKR 5 million per player is on the table. However, Afridi’s explosive remarks shifted the focus from fines to accountability, selection reforms and long-term corrective measures.
