Lahore Qalandars imposes Rs1m fine on Shaheen Afridi for security protocol breach

Lahore Qalandars imposed a Rs1 million fine on franchise captain Shaheen Shah Afridi on Monday for breaching security protocols.

The decision followed allegations from the Punjab Police, which sent a letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistan Super League chief, claiming that both Afridi and another player had forcefully brought unauthorised individuals into their hotel room.

The police highlighted the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In a statement, Lahore Qalandars acknowledged the incident, which occurred on March 28, concerning "an alleged breach of security protocol involving our players".

The franchise stated that it had promptly launched a comprehensive internal review to ascertain the facts and confirmed that the event was an isolated incident at the team hotel. However, the franchise emphasised that the situation had been overstated in public discourse and amplified beyond its actual context.

"In the interest of maintaining discipline and demonstrating accountability, the franchise has taken a voluntary and proactive step by imposing a fine of Rs1m on Shaheen Shah Afridi for his involvement," the franchise said.

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It also confirmed that it had formally communicated a detailed response, along with its observations, to the PCB.

Lahore Qalandars expressed appreciation for the efforts of security personnel, recognising their crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for players, officials and spectators.

While the franchise underscored that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding rather than any deliberate attempt to flout established procedures, it reiterated its full respect for all security protocols.

Lahore Qalandars reaffirmed its commitment to strictly adhering to standard operating procedures and highlighted the importance of continued clarity and alignment in communicating these protocols to prevent similar situations in the future.

The franchise also expressed regret over the undue public attention surrounding the incident, acknowledging the negative impact on both the franchise and the broader PSL. It stated that the matter had been unnecessarily escalated, affecting the league’s image domestically and internationally.

Reiterating its unwavering respect for established security frameworks, Lahore Qalandars called for balanced and responsible reporting. The franchise reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and full cooperation with all governing authorities.