PSL 2026 Controversy: Shaheen Shah Afridi, captain of Lahore Qalandars, along with all-rounder Sikandar Raza, has landed in trouble with local authorities during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). The issue revolves around what has been described as a “serious breach of established security protocols.”
According to reports, a deputy police inspector sent a letter to PSL CEO Salman Naseer raising concerns about an incident that took place on Saturday night. The letter claims that Shaheen and Raza “forcefully escorted” four visitors into a players’ hotel room.
PSL 2026 Controversy: Denied Requests, Yet Visitors Escorted In
The situation becomes more complicated because the visitors were reportedly not allowed entry in the first place. The letter explains that the Pakistan Cricket Board had already turned down multiple requests from the Qalandars to let four individuals known to Raza visit his room.
“The request was declined, with the letter alleging Sameen Rana, the Qalandars owner, then sought Naseer’s permission for the same. That request, too, the letter says, was declined on security grounds,” said the letter, a copy of which was seen by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite these clear refusals, the letter alleges that the players went ahead anyway.
The letter further alleged that despite the instructions of on-duty security personnel, Shaheen and Raza “forcibly escorted” the four visitors.
PSL 2026 Update: Team Responds as Qalandars Suffer First Defeat
Umar Farooq, who handles media for the Qalandars, confirmed that the team is aware of what happened and is discussing the matter with PSL officials.
“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 have suggested reviewing the situation carefully and taking steps to make sure such incidents don’t happen again.
Away from the controversy, Lahore Qalandars also faced a tough moment on the field. They suffered their first loss of PSL 2026, going down to Karachi Kings by 4 wickets at Gaddafi Stadium.
This season of the PSL is being played without spectators in Lahore and Karachi due to the ongoing regional crisis in the Middle East, which has also led to a national fuel shortage.
However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted that fans might return later in the tournament. That said, he made it clear that everything depends on how and when the regional situation improves.
