The Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been compounded by off-field controversy, with reports emerging of a player being fined for inappropriate conduct towards hotel staff in Sri Lanka.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly imposed fines of PKR 5 million (approximately AUD 63,500) on players for their on-field underperformance, sparking criticism both inside and outside Pakistan.

PCB has fined cricketers 5 million Rs each for their poor performance in the World Cup. In fact, the decision was made right after the defeat against India. Officials have made it clear to the players that enough leniency has been shown from now on, financial benefits will only…

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) March 2, 2026

Former Australian opener Pakistan-born Usman Khawaja criticised the PCB’s decision to fine the team, calling it “an absolute shambles” in a video posted online.

In a post on Instagram, Khawaja questioned the logic of penalising players for losses, noting the immense pressure on Pakistan’s squad and the lack of a players’ union to represent them.

Usman Khawaja laughing at PCB for fining Pakistan cricketers after their bad performance in the World Cup. I can’t believe it pic.twitter.com/ajjmNF61E2

— Khan (@ccricket713) March 5, 2026

Pakistan, which failed to advance beyond the Super Eight stage in Kandy, suffered heavy defeats against India and England, while their match against New Zealand was washed out.

A narrow five-wicket victory over hosts Sri Lanka was insufficient to secure a semi-final berth, leaving the team in turmoil.

Captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating last week that Pakistan “underperformed in the whole tournament” and missed the semi-finals due to poor decision-making under pressure.

Tensions within the squad reportedly extended to the dressing room, with players allegedly unhappy with coach Mike Hesson’s management style.

Several squad members are said to have approached PCB officials during the tournament to raise concerns about Hesson’s strict approach and unilateral decision-making, which sources claim left both the captain and selection panel unable to challenge his authority.

PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the board is reviewing both team performance and the conduct of the players and coaching staff before determining next steps.

The fines and internal disputes highlight ongoing challenges for Pakistan cricket, which has now missed the semi-finals in four consecutive ICC men’s events, including last year’s Champions Trophy on home soil.

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