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LAHORE: Police in Lahore have raised serious concern over an alleged breach of security protocols by Lahore Qalandars players during the ongoing Pakistan Super League, according to an official letter issued by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations).
The letter, dated March 29 and addressed to the chief executive of the PSL at the Pakistan Cricket Board, details an incident that reportedly took place a day earlier at the team hotel where all franchises are staying under strict security arrangements.
According to the document, the breach occurred late on March 28 at the Pearl Continental (PC) hotel in Lahore, where PSL teams are housed under controlled access due to security requirements.
At approximately 10:35 pm local time, the liaison officer of Lahore Qalandars approached Lt. Col. (Retd) Akhtar Hussain, the PCB’s manager for security and anti-corruption, seeking permission for four relatives of all-rounder Sikandar Raza to visit his room. The request was denied in line with established protocols.
The letter further states that Sameen Rana, owner of the franchise, subsequently approached PSL chief executive Salman Naseer with the same request which was again declined on security grounds.
Despite the refusals, police allege that at around 11:05 pm, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Raza disregarded the directives and escorted the four visitors into the hotel and up to Room 865 on the eighth floor, assigned to Raza.
The visitors reportedly remained in the room until about 1:25 am, despite resistance from on-duty security personnel, the letter said. It listed the four individuals as Shahzaib Mujahid, Adil Nadeem, Usman Ahmed Dar and Bilal Ahmed.
“This incident represents a clear violation of the PCB’s security protocols and code of conduct,” the letter said, adding that such measures are designed to ensure the safety of players, officials and associated personnel during the tournament.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Muhammad Faisal, called for the matter to be reviewed at the appropriate forum and urged authorities to take necessary action to prevent recurrence.
“Ensuring strict compliance with security protocols is essential to avoid any untoward or potentially harmful situations,” the letter added.
The Pakistan Super League, one of the country’s premier sporting events, operates under heightened security due to past concerns, with teams typically subject to strict movement and access controls, including limitations on visitors at designated hotels.
The development comes amid the sixth match of the tournament in Lahore, adding an off-field controversy to the competition as authorities assess the reported breach.
