PCB Issues New Guidelines on Player Meetings After PSL Security Breach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued new directives to Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises regarding player meetings with family members and friends, following a recent security breach involving Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar Raza.

According to reports, the incident occurred a few days ago when both players allegedly allowed unauthorized individuals into a hotel room without prior permission, violating security protocols. The Punjab Police raised concerns in a letter to the PCB and PSL management, urging stricter enforcement of security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In response, Sikandar Raza clarified that the visitors were his friends and family, and that Shaheen Shah Afridi had only escorted them to his room at his request. He admitted responsibility, stating he was unaware of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) restricting such meetings.

Following the breach, Lahore Qalandars fined their captain Shaheen Shah Afridi Rs1 million for violating security protocols.

In its latest communication, the PCB reiterated its policy regarding visits at team hotels. The board stated that requests for meetings with external guests must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. If approved, such meetings will be arranged at designated areas within the hotel, and guests will not be allowed access to team floors under any circumstances.

However, close family members—including spouses, parents, siblings, and children—may visit players in their rooms, provided prior notice of at least 24 hours is given.

A PCB official emphasized at the end of the email that adherence to these guidelines is crucial to maintaining the security and operational integrity of all participating teams.