Shaheen Afridi Penalized for Security Violation

Shaheen Afridi Penalized for Security Violation

The Lahore Qalandars have imposed a fine of PKR 1 million (approximately USD 3,600) on their captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, due to a reported breach of security protocols at the team's hotel. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the Qalandars stated that this penalty was enforced to maintain discipline and accountability within the team.

No disciplinary action will be taken against Sikandar Raza, who was also mentioned in the police report concerning the same incident. Both players faced serious allegations after four unauthorized individuals gained access to the team's hotel room. The Punjab police delivered a letter to the PSL's chief executive, Salman Naseer, claiming that the players had 'forcefully escorted' these visitors to Raza's room.

In a letter to PSL CEO Salman Naseer, a deputy police inspector accused Shaheen Afridi and Sikandar Raza of disregarding security protocols by allowing the visitors into a player's room on Saturday night, where they remained for nearly three hours.

Sikandar Raza Supports His Teammate

On Monday, Sikandar Raza addressed the accusations against him and Afridi regarding the security breach, clarifying that the four individuals were his long-time friends and family members, and that Afridi was merely assisting him.

Raza explained that the individuals in question were indeed his close relatives and friends. He 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 [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 went down on my request, because it was my close family and friends; I did not want to meet them in the business centre. We sat upstairs for 40 minutes.'