PSL 2026: Lahore Qalandars face security breach allegations after protocol violation

The Lahore Qalandars have come under scrutiny after the Punjab Police accused the franchise of a serious breach of established security protocols during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). The incident reportedly took place at the team hotel, where four unauthorised visitors were allegedly escorted to a player’s room.

According to a letter written by a deputy police inspector and addressed to PSL CEO Salman Naseer, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and teammate Sikandar Raza were accused of disregarding security directives. The letter claims the two players forcefully escorted four visitors to a hotel room on Saturday night, where they reportedly stayed for around three hours.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the issue began when the team’s Liaison Officer approached the Pakistan Cricket Board’s security and anti-corruption manager, requesting permission for four individuals known to Raza to enter the hotel. This request was denied on security grounds. The letter further alleges that Sameen Rana then sought approval from Salman Naseer, but that request was also rejected.

Despite these refusals, the players allegedly went ahead and escorted the visitors, even in the face of resistance from on-duty security personnel. The police have termed this act a clear violation of protocols designed to safeguard players, officials, and the integrity of the tournament.

“We are aware of an incident involving two Lahore Qalandars players, and are in communication with the PSL over the matter,” Umar Farooq, Qalandars’ head of media said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The police letter concludes by urging a thorough review and appropriate action to prevent such breaches in the future. Security measures in the PSL have remained stringent, particularly since the tournament returned to Pakistan. With matches being played under restricted conditions, including limited public interaction, maintaining secure environments around team hotels has been a top priority.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of adhering to strict security protocols in high-profile sporting events, especially in a tournament like the PSL, where safety and discipline remain paramount.