PCB Issues Strict PSL Guidelines After Shaheen Afridi-Sikandar Raza Controversy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has tightened its security protocols for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 after a breach at a team hotel raised serious concerns. The board has issued fresh guidelines to all eight franchises, making it clear that any further lapses will not be tolerated.

The development comes shortly after Sikandar Raza, currently representing Lahore Qalandars, posted on social media thanking the board for allowing him to meet his family at the team hotel. Soon after, the PCB sent a detailed communication to franchises and relevant officials, reiterating the need to strictly follow security norms.

According to PTI, the PCB has now made it mandatory for players and officials to seek prior approval before meeting family members

at the hotel.

“The Board has made it clear that anyone wanting to meet with family members in the hotel has to seek permission 24 hours before the intended visit by family members,” PTI quoted a source as saying.

“The Board has also made it clear that only a player’s wife, parents, brother and sister are allowed inside the player’s room, that too after getting clearance from the Board 24 hours in advance,” the source added.

The move follows a late-night incident involving Shaheen Shah Afridi and Raza, where four guests were reportedly found inside the latter’s room. Senior police officials have taken serious note of the breach and communicated their concerns to the board.

“The police officials conveyed to the Board that unless all franchises adhere strictly to the security protocols, it will be impossible for them to provide a safe and secure environment at the team hotel for all players and officials.”

It is also understood that the PCB’s security manager and anti-corruption head have raised the issue with PSL CEO Salman Naseer, underlining the urgency of enforcing stricter compliance across teams.