Pakistan cricketers Afridi and Raza accused of breaching security protocols ahead of PSL game

Lahore, Pakistan – Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza are under scrutiny after Punjab police formally accused the pair of violating tournament security protocols on the eve of a Pakistan Super League fixture in Lahore.

According to a letter sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the two Lahore Qalandars players “forcefully escorted four visitors” to Raza’s eighth-floor hotel room late Saturday night, overriding objections from on-site security staff. Police say the visitors arrived at the team hotel seeking access, but requests submitted by Lahore’s liaison officer and later by franchise owner Sameen Rana were denied by PCB officials, including chief executive officer Salman Naseer, “in accordance with the security protocols in place.”

Despite these refusals, Afridi and Raza allegedly brought the group upstairs around midnight; the four individuals remained in Raza’s room until 1:25 a.m. Sunday. Authorities emphasized that “ensuring strict compliance with security protocols is essential to avoid any untoward and potentially harmful situations.”

Speaking after Lahore’s four-wicket loss to Karachi Kings—where Afridi claimed four for 18—Raza said he had been unaware of revised regulations. “The four friends, who came yesterday, I know them personally for a long time,” he explained. “I wasn’t aware of this [the security protocols].” Raza, who was born in Pakistan, noted that in previous PSL editions he routinely met family and friends inside the hotel and understood the restriction to mean he could not leave the premises. “One thing should be remembered that by birth I am a Pakistani and [a] few family members will come to meet me,” he added, pledging to respect the protocols going forward.

The PCB has yet to announce any disciplinary measures, but the incident casts a spotlight on security management at the tournament, which is being played behind closed doors after fan attendance was canceled due to rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

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