LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering financial penalties on players following the national team’s early elimination from the T20 World Cup amid widespread disappointment over their below-par performance, Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported on Monday.

A reliable source told PTI that initial reports of the PCB deducting players’ remuneration were incorrect, but appropriate action is under active consideration due to the team’s failure to advance beyond the Super Eight stage.

“No final decision has been taken as yet. But yes, it is under consideration to financially penalise the players,” the source confirmed, without disclosing specifics. Discussions are ongoing about whether such a step would be appropriate.

Pakistan qualified for the Super Eight after group-stage wins against associate nations — Netherlands (by three wickets), USA (by 32 runs) and Namibia (by 102 runs) — but suffered a heavy 61-run defeat to India.

In the Super Eight, they lost to England by two wickets, had their match against New Zealand abandoned due to rain, and secured a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final game.

However, the margin was insufficient — Pakistan posted 212-8 but needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below (requiring a win by roughly 65 runs) to improve their net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals.

Sri Lanka reached 207-6, sealing Pakistan’s exit.

The team’s inability to beat top-ranked sides and qualify for the semi-finals — marking the fourth consecutive ICC event without a semi-final appearance — has not only frustrated the PCB but also drawn criticism from influential government figures.

“The feeling is enough is enough and these players, despite so much backing, let down the nation in big events,” the source added.

Central contract holders receive monthly retainers, match fees, win bonuses and shares in the board’s team sponsorship deals.

In a related development, former ICC elite Test umpire Aleem Dar resigned on Monday as a member of the national selection committee, the first notable change in the team’s setup following the disappointing campaign.

Aleem, who was relatively new to selection duties despite his extensive umpiring experience, confirmed his resignation to the media in Lahore but offered no explicit reason.

His departure is widely seen as the initial fallout from the poor results, with expectations of further changes in the management and selection structure.

The PCB has made multiple adjustments to the team’s coaching and selection panels over the past two years, yet consistent improvement has remained elusive.

The PCB is particularly dissatisfied with the performances of senior players, including top batter Babar Azam, spearhead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and captain Salman Ali Agha.

Reports suggest Babar and Shaheen could be asked to retire from T20I cricket, as they may not feature in future T20I squads.

The Pakistan squad returned home quietly in small groups on Sunday, with captain Salman, Babar and others arriving in Lahore the previous night.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026