Sikandar Raza breaks silence on Punjab Police’s ‘serious protocol breach’ allegations against Lahore Qalandars

Sikandar Raza broke his silence regarding the serious protocol breach allegations leveled by the Punjab Police. The Zimbabwe skipper denied the accusations that he and Shaheen Afridi forcibly escorted unauthorized visitors into the team hotel during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

The controversy has sparked discussion across the Pakistan cricket community. Notably, the Punjab Police sent a letter to PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer. The authorities accused Raza and Afridi of ignoring strict security protocols by bringing four unauthorized guests into a hotel room.

Shaheen Afridi Ne Koi Manmani Nahi Kari - Sikandar Raza

During the press conference, Sikandar Raza shared his perspective on the hotel incident. The Lahore Qalandars all-rounder clarified that the visitors were his family and close friends, rejecting the police claims that Shaheen Afridi used any physical force.

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"Shaheen ne koi manmani nahi kari. Meri hi request thi, Maine kaha tha meri family and friends aaye hai. Pehle 4 saalo me aisa kuch bhi nahi tha. Mujhe mere family aur relatives ko milne ki ijazat thi. Ab agar ye SOPs the toh iska na mujhe aur to some extent Shaheen bhi aware nahi tha," Sikandar Raza said in a press conference

[He did not force anyone. In fact it was my request as it was my family and frieends. In previous four years, there was never a restriction on meeting my family and relatives. If the SOPs have changes, neither me not to an extent was Shaheen aware of the same.]

Sikandar Raza gracefully clears up all confusion surrounding his alleged security breach.pic.twitter.com/NCFPdJgU3S

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) March 29, 2026

Punjab Police Allege Protocol Breach by Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza

According to reports, the Lahore Qalandars liaison officer initially requested permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board security manager.

After facing a direct rejection, Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana reportedly approached Salman Naseer. However, Naseer also declined the request, citing strict player safety regulations.

The Punjab Police letter alleges that despite these clear refusals, Shaheen Afridi and Sikandar Raza bypassed on-duty security personnel. The four guests stayed inside the hotel room on the eighth floor for nearly three hours, remaining there until 1:25 AM that night.

Lahore Qalandars Respond to Security Breach Allegations

Umar Farooq, the head of media for Lahore Qalandars, acknowledged the ongoing security situation. He confirmed that the franchise management is aware of the police allegations involving Shaheen Afridi and Sikandar Raza.

The security controversy has occurred under unusual circumstances. Due to the ongoing regional crisis in the Middle East and a resulting national fuel shortage, the PCB has restricted the expanded eight-team tournament to empty stadiums in Lahore and Karachi.

Local police authorities have requested the PCB to review the alleged protocol breach involving Raza. Law enforcement officials have urged cricket administrators to take necessary disciplinary action against the players to prevent any future security violations at designated five-star team hotels in Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars are also facing a ball-tampering controversy after being handed a five-run penalty during their four-wicket loss to Karachi Kings. Fakhar Zaman has been accused of altering the ball. Umpires replaced the ball before the final over after detecting a change in its condition.

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