The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, has introduced stricter hotel security rules during PSL 2026 after a recent security breach involving players at a team hotel. The new guidelines aim to improve safety and ensure that all teams follow proper protocols during the tournament.
The decision came after an incident involving Lahore Qalandars players, which raised concerns among security officials and local police.
New Hotel Security Rules Introduced by PCB
The PCB has announced clear rules for players staying in team hotels during PSL 2026.
Under the new policy, players must inform the PCB at least 24 hours in advance if they want to meet anyone in their hotel rooms. Guests will only be allowed if they are family members and proper approval has been granted.
These rules have been introduced to avoid any security risks and to maintain strict monitoring of visitors during the tournament.
Incident That Triggered the New Guidelines
The new rules were introduced after Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and all-rounder Sikandar Raza were accused of bringing guests into their hotel rooms without informing officials.
The incident raised concerns about security arrangements at team hotels. As a result, authorities decided that stricter monitoring was necessary during PSL 2026.
Police Raise Security Concerns
After the incident, local police sent a formal notice to the PCB highlighting the seriousness of the breach.
According to the report, the guests stayed inside the hotel room until around 1:25 a.m. even after repeated warnings from security staff. Police officials described the situation as a violation of security protocols.
The authorities asked the PCB to ensure that all teams and players strictly follow security guidelines during the tournament.
Sikandar Raza Explains His Side of the Story
Zimbabwe cricketer Sikandar Raza later shared his explanation during a press interaction.
He said the guests who visited him were family members and not strangers. Raza explained that when players travel for months to play in international leagues, meeting family members can be emotionally important.
He also said that they had tried to seek permission through proper channels but were denied access.
Raza stated that Shaheen Afridi only helped him bring his family to the room and that nothing inappropriate happened during the meeting.
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Raza Shows Support for Shaheen Afridi
Sikandar Raza also defended Shaheen Afridi and said the Lahore Qalandars captain was simply supporting him during a difficult moment.
According to Raza, no one was forced into the room and the guests were welcomed peacefully. He also stressed that professional cricketers are well aware of anti-corruption rules and understand the importance of security guidelines.
He clarified that the meeting was only with family members and not with unknown visitors.
Summary of New PCB Hotel Rules
The PCB has now made it clear that all PSL teams must strictly follow the updated security protocols.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance Notice | Players must inform PCB 24 hours before meeting any guest |
| Guest Eligibility | Only family members allowed in hotel rooms |
| Approval Requirement | Proper permissions must be granted before entry |
| Security Monitoring | Hotels will closely monitor player and guest movements |
These measures are meant to avoid similar incidents and ensure the safety of players, officials, and guests throughout PSL 2026.
With the new rules in place, the PCB hopes to prevent any future security breaches during the league.
Players and franchises are now expected to follow the updated guidelines carefully while staying at team hotels during the tournament.
The board has indicated that strict action may be taken if similar incidents occur again.
