Watch: 'Culprit apkay samnay...'- Sikandar Raza reacts to security breach in team hotel during PSL 2026

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has continued to be a place for various controversies as the Punjab Police has written a letter to the PSL CEO, Salman Naseer, alleging the captain of the Lahore Qalandars, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and the teammates, Sikandar Raza, for forcefully escorting the four visitors to a player’s room at the five-star hotel on March 28.

The police have claimed that it was a serious breach of the established security protocols. Both Afridi and Sikandar Raza were blamed for disregarding the directives and forcefully escorting the four visitors to one of the platers’, where they stayed for nearly three hours.

The request was declined, with a letter alleging that Sameen Rana, the Qalandars' owner, had sought permission from Naseer for the same. That request was later declined on security grounds, as the reports have claimed that it had reached out to the PSL for comment.

Lahore Qalandars' players blamed for security breach

The letter alleges that the refusals were not heeded, and Shaheen Afridi and Raza were escorted to four visitors despite the resistance from the on-duty security personnel, as it has been deemed the incident a clear violation of the protocols which had been designed to ensure the safety and integrity of the players and the officials.

See Also: Watch: Lahore Qalandars penalised for ball-tampering during PSL 2026 clash vs Karachi Kings

“We are aware of an incident involving two Lahore Qalandars players, and are in communication with the PSL over the matter.” The head of the media for the Lahore side, Umar Farooq, commented on ESPNcricinfo.

Sikandar Raza reacts to security breach in IPL 2026

Later, after their clash against Karachi, Raza made it clear that the culprit of the entire situation was him. He made it clear that it was totally his decision to get his family members inside the hotel.

Watch the video here: 

“Shaheen ne koi manmani nahi kari. Meri hi request thi, Maine kaha tha meri family and friends aaye hai. Pehle char 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.” The spin all-rounder addressed.

“In fact, it was my request, as it was my family and friends. In the previous four years, there was never a restriction on meeting my family and relatives. If the SOPs have changes, neither I nor, to an extent, was Shaheen aware of the same.” Raza expressed in the press conference.

Lahore lost their last encounter in the PSL 2026 against the Karachi Kings by four wickets as the latter completed the chase of 131 runs by four wickets in 19.3 overs amidst the ball tempering scandal.