PSL 2026 rocked by fresh scandal as Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza accused of serious breach by police

The ongoing Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) has been hit by another controversy as a serious allegation levelled against the Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi and star all-rounder Sikandar Raza. And the matter has now reached the Pakistan Super League authorities.

The controversy broke out after the police claimed that Shaheen Afridi and Sikandar Raza had ignored clear instructions from security officials and still brought the visitors to the hotel floor where players were staying. This is considered a serious breach mainly because such zones are secured strictly to protect players throughout the tournament.

Shaheen Afridi and Sikandar Raza land in big trouble

Both Afridi and Raza have been accused of taking four unauthorized visitors to the restricted players’ floor of the team hotel. The Punjab police have described the incident as a “serious breach of established security protocols” amid the PSL 2026.

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As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the Punjab police sent a detailed letter to PSL CEO Salman Naseer informing him of the breach. In the letter, Afridi and Raza were blamed for “disregarding directives” and “forcefully escorting” four visitors.

The incident happened on Saturday, March 28, night, and those visitors reportedly stayed inside one of the players’ hotel rooms for almost three hours. It is being said that the Lahore Qalandars’ Liaison Officer had first approached the PCB’s security and anti-corruption manager to get permission for four people known to Raza.

Visitors escorted “by force”, says the police

But the PCB immediately turned down the request since the PSL 2026 is already being played in two venues due to security threats. The letter also revealed that Qalandars’ owner Sameen Rana also tried to get special permission from PSL CEO Salman Naseer following the early rejection, but his request was also refused for security reasons.

They made it clear that no outside visitor could enter the players’ floor. Yet, the PCB and PSL refusals were completely ignored, as Shaheen and Raza still went ahead and brought the visitors “despite resistance from on-duty security personnel." It is described as a clear violation of protocols “designed to ensure the safety and integrity” of everyone involved with the PSL.

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

PSL set for full investigation

In the letter, the Punjab police asked for a full review of what happened and called for “necessary action to prevent future violations." The PSL is now expected to investigate the matter to avoid further damage to the league’s reputation.

Notably, the Pakistan Super League has been keeping players and officials under very tight security in the ongoing 2026 season. With matches happening in empty stadiums and movement kept limited due to energy-saving needs during the West Asia crisis.

But tight security circles, checkposts, and regular checks are set up around the team hotels to keep the players safe at all times.