[WATCH] ‘Sorry, I’m laughing’ – Former Australian opener slams PCB’s decision to fine players after T20 World Cup exit

Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has reacted strongly to reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined members of the Pakistan team following their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. 

According to reports, the PCB has imposed a hefty fine of PKR 5 million (approximately 16.5 Lakhs INR) on each player in the national squad after their disappointing outings in the tournament. Khawaja expressed disbelief and shock over the decision and suggested that such measures would only increase pressure on the players rather than improve performances.

Taking to Instagram, the Australian opener said he initially struggled to believe the reports but found the decision baffling.

“I just heard that the Pakistani players got fined after the T20 World Cup. I mean, I didn’t believe it at first, but it must be true. It’s absolutely amazing that the PCB could think this is a good idea. Sorry, I’m laughing because I can’t believe it,” Khawaja said in a video.

He further questioned the logic behind penalising players for defeats, arguing that no professional high-performance team in world sport adopts such an approach.

“Just think, what high-performance team in the entire world, let alone cricket, fines players for losing games? They’re not trying to lose! How does that even make them perform better next time? It’s in absolute shambles. I really feel for the Pakistani players. Poor Pakistani players,” he concluded.

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It was a disappointing campaign for the Pakistan team as they crashed out of the marquee event from the Super 8 stage. Despite winning their last Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka, they failed to reach the semifinals due to their poor net run rate compared to New Zealand.

Apart from the financial punishments, the PCB have also taken some strong decisions ahead of their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh as Shaheen Afridi will lead the side, while former captain Babar Azam was dropped from the side.