Discipline and professionalism remain key pillars of any successful cricket team, but Pakistan’s recent performances on and off the field suggest a troubling lack of both. In a significant disciplinary crackdown, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fined eight national cricketers a total of Rs3 million for breaching the team’s code of conduct during two crucial Test series—Pakistan’s home series against England in October and the away tour of Australia in November.
Among the fined players, all-rounder Aamer Jamal received the heaviest penalty, approximately Rs1.4 million, for an unusual act—writing “804” on his cap during a Test match. The number, believed to hold personal significance for Jamal, was deemed a violation of PCB’s uniform policy, which strictly regulates player attire to maintain a standardized team identity.
Meanwhile, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, were each fined Rs500,000 for returning late to the team hotel during the Australia tour. These three players failed to adhere to the curfew set by team management, an issue that has previously plagued Pakistan cricket, raising concerns over discipline and focus, especially during high-stakes international tours.
In another case of rule-breaking, batter Imam-ul-Haq was fined Rs300,000 for an undisclosed violation that reportedly involved breaching team protocols during the England series. Similarly, three additional players were fined Rs 500,000 each for minor breaches of team regulations, though the PCB has not disclosed specific details about their offenses.
The disciplinary action comes at a time when the team is already facing mounting criticism following its disastrous performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. As the defending champions, Pakistan was expected to put up a strong fight, but they failed to secure a single victory. Losses to New Zealand and India were followed by a washed-out match against Bangladesh, resulting in an embarrassing early exit from the tournament. The poor on-field performances, combined with off-field disciplinary issues, have led to increased scrutiny of the team’s management and leadership.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who took charge earlier this year, has implemented strict measures in an attempt to instill professionalism within the team. However, his tenure has already been met with criticism, particularly regarding the handling of players’ conduct and the team’s overall strategy. While some praise his efforts to enforce discipline, others argue that his leadership lacks the necessary long-term vision to uplift Pakistan cricket. His decisions, including player selections and coaching appointments, have been questioned by former cricketers and analysts, who believe that the PCB is failing to address the root causes of Pakistan’s struggles.
One of the major concerns under Naqvi’s administration is the lack of consistency in disciplinary enforcement. While these fines send a strong message, critics point out that similar violations in the past were either ignored or dealt with leniently. The issue of favoritism has long plagued the PCB, with certain players reportedly receiving preferential treatment despite repeated infractions. If discipline is to be truly enforced, it must be applied uniformly across all players and management personnel.
The PCB, in its official statement, maintained that the disciplinary measures were an internal matter aimed at maintaining team integrity and upholding professional standards. However, the secrecy surrounding some of the fines has raised further questions. If the objective is to set an example and prevent future misconduct, a more transparent approach might have been more effective.
Beyond individual fines, Pakistan cricket faces deeper systemic challenges. The lack of a strong leadership figure within the team, inconsistent performances, and frequent changes in coaching and selection committees have created instability. If these disciplinary actions are not part of a broader reform strategy, they risk being seen as mere short-term punitive measures rather than genuine attempts to build a more professional cricketing culture.
The latest crackdown by the PCB could serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s cricketers, reminding them of their responsibilities as professional athletes. But whether these fines will lead to real behavioral change remains to be seen. If past experiences are any indication, discipline within Pakistan cricket has always been a temporary concern—one that flares up in moments of crisis but fades away when attention shifts to other matters. For Pakistan to truly evolve into a world-class cricketing side, the enforcement of discipline must be consistent, fair, and part of a larger strategy to develop a winning team both on and off the field.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
