Kamal Ghorui
Pakistan cricket is already grappling with an embarrassing ball-tampering controversy involving Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match. Now, another issue has added to their troubles. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi and overseas player Sikandar Raza have been accused of breaching team security protocols at their hotel.What exactly happened?Despite prior warnings and refusals, Shaheen and Sikandar were reportedly found hosting four guests in Raza’s room on the eighth floor until 1:25 a.m., according to police officials.The team owner also approached PSL CEO Salman Naseer with the same request, which was again rejected on security grounds.Muhammad Faisal, DIG (Operations, Lahore), reportedly notified the PSL CEO about the serious breach of security measures.Two requests were made by the Lahore Qalandars’ liaison officer seeking permission to allow guests into Raza’s room – first at around 10:35 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday – but both were denied. Despite this, Shaheen and Raza were seen hosting the guests in the Zimbabwe cricketer’s room, where they stayed until 1:25 a.m.According to reports, at around 11:05 p.m., PCB and security personnel noted that Shaheen and Raza went ahead and escorted the four guests into the room despite resistance from on-site security staff. The guests remained there until 1:25 a.m.A senior police official has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that this incident constitutes a violation of the board’s security protocols and code of conduct, which are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of players, officials and associated personnel.What is Raza saying?Raza addressed the issue during the post-match press conference and denied the allegations.“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 [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,” Raza said in a press conference.
