Sikandar Raza Addresses Security Breach Allegations in PSL

Sikandar Raza has responded to allegations of a security breach during the Pakistan Super League, asserting that the unauthorized visitors were his family and friends. He clarified that Shaheen Afridi was only assisting him and emphasized that he was unaware of any security protocols being violated. The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from the police and Raza. The PCB is currently addressing the situation and ensuring that such breaches do not happen again. Read on for a detailed overview of the unfolding events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 23:23 IST

Raza Responds to Security Breach Claims

Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza has spoken out regarding the accusations against him and his Lahore Qalandars teammate, Shaheen Shah Afridi, for allegedly breaching security protocols by allowing four unauthorized individuals into their hotel room. Raza clarified that these individuals were his long-time friends and family, and that Afridi was merely assisting him.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) found itself in a fresh controversy last night when reports surfaced about Raza and Afridi being implicated in a serious security violation after four unauthorized guests accessed the team's hotel room, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Clarification from Raza

A letter from the Punjab police was sent to PSL's chief executive, Salman Naseer, alleging that the players had 'forcefully escorted' visitors to Raza's room. However, Raza insisted that the four individuals were indeed his close friends and family members. He explained that he preferred not to meet them in the hotel’s business center, and Afridi assisted him by bringing them to his room. Raza stated, 'Shaheen did not force anyone. My friends and family had come, and at my request, Shaheen helped them come up to my room. If these were the SOPs [standard operating procedures] that visitors were not allowed into our rooms, I wasn't aware, and to some extent, Shaheen was not aware either. The culprit here is me, not Shaheen.'

He further elaborated that they spent about 40 minutes together in his room.

Contradictions in Police Report

Raza's account contradicts the police's version of events. According to the Punjab police letter, the Qalandars' Liaison Officer had contacted the PCB's security and anti-corruption manager to seek permission for the four individuals to enter Raza's hotel room. This request was denied, and the letter claims that despite the refusals, Afridi and Raza 'forcibly escorted' the visitors into the room, disregarding the on-duty security staff's objections.

The letter, which was leaked on social media, accused the team of violating security protocols, stating that while Raza claimed the guests were in his room for 40 minutes, the police report suggested they stayed for three hours. Sources within the Qalandars organization have confirmed the general details of the incident but dispute any claims of forced entry.

Raza Emphasizes His Responsibility

Raza mentioned that he has been friends with the visitors for 19 years, and that his wife and children had also come to see him. He expressed, 'Please do not forget that my family and relatives live here, and I do not get to see them all year. Shaheen merely went down on my request. It was my call, not Shaheen's, and I know he did not forcefully escort anyone because I was in the lift with him too.'

PCB Acknowledges the Situation

Umar Farooq, the media head of the PCB, confirmed to a sports news outlet that they are aware of the incident involving the two Lahore Qalandars players and are in discussions with the PSL regarding the matter.

The police letter has urged the PSL to take appropriate action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.