Several Pakistan cricket team players have expressed frustration over what they consider excessive and petty fines imposed by team manager Naveed Cheema during their last four international tours. The players are expected to raise the issue directly with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman in the coming days.
Cheema, an 81-year-old former bureaucrat and a known disciplinarian, previously served as Chief Secretary of Punjab province and held several senior government positions before being reappointed as team manager last year. He was in charge during Pakistan’s 2023–24 Test tour of Australia and again during the recent T20 World Cup, following the team’s early exit from the tournament.
Sources within the team revealed that Cheema has imposed strict rules banning the use of earphones, and forbidding players from wearing shorts or slippers during practice sessions, or while moving around hotels and stadiums.
He’s known for his rigid approach. On the Australia tour, he fined Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel heavily for returning late from dinner. The exact amount wasn’t disclosed, but it caused considerable discontent in the camp:
Naseem Shah was reportedly fined PKR 500,000 during the New Zealand series for going to the parking lot to collect a delivery, while allrounder Aamer Jamal received a fine of approximately USD 4,000 for displaying a slogan in support of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Two players were penalised during the South Africa tour for arriving late to practice, each fined USD 200 — though the money was returned after the team won the series.
During the recent New Zealand tour, fast bowler Mohammad Ali was fined USD 400 for not wearing the official team jumper on a flight. His explanation that it was packed in his luggage was reportedly dismissed.
Cheema was reinstated as manager after the PCB sacked Wahab Riaz and Mansoor Rana — the latter considered more approachable by players — following Pakistan’s poor T20 World Cup performance. Sources claimed some disciplinary breaches, including players attending unauthorised get-togethers and signing autographs for money, contributed to the duo’s removal.
With tensions brewing in the dressing room, senior players are now expected to seek a meeting with the PCB chairman to discuss Cheema’s approach and the impact it’s having on team morale.
