The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated disciplinary action against fast bowler Naseem Shah following his social media comments regarding the presence of a politician at the opening game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is currently being played behind closed doors. Shah's remarks on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, drew the ire of the board.

The incident occurred ahead of the tournament's inaugural match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, was in attendance as an invited dignitary, and was introduced to franchise officials and players before the game. Shah posted a comment on X questioning Nawaz's prominent role at the event, seemingly comparing her treatment to that of royalty.

The cricketer quickly deleted his post and later issued a statement asserting that his social media account had been hacked. However, the PCB proceeded to issue a notice to Shah. The board stated that the fast bowler's actions constituted a violation of the terms outlined in his central contract, as well as breaching its established media policy and regulations.

This season of the country's premier domestic Twenty20 tournament is unique as all matches are being held without spectators, a decision that restricts fan access to the games. Originally slated to be played across six different venues, the PSL schedule was significantly reduced, confining all fixtures to just two cities: Lahore and Karachi. The tournament's opening ceremony and subsequent matches are taking place in an environment where only invited officials and essential personnel are permitted inside the stadiums.