Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been fined PKR 1 million (USD 3600 approx.) by his PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars after allegedly breaching established security protocols by forcefully escorting four visitors to team’s hotel room recently. In a statement, Qalandars explained that the decision has been taken as part of disciplinary measure and for ensuring accountability.
Afridi and his Qalandars teammate Sikandar Raza were accused of “serious breach of established security" by Punjab Police. In a letter to PSL CEO Salman Nasser, the police claimed that Afridi and Raza sought permission to allow four visitors to their team hotel, which was denied.
The duo still took them to the room where they are said to have stayed for nearly three hours.
“In the interest of maintaining discipline and demonstrating accountability, the franchise has taken a voluntary and proactive step by imposing a fine of PKR 1 million on Shaheen Shah Afridi for his involvement. Lahore Qalandars has also formally communicated a detailed response, along with its observations on the matter, to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)." read a release from the Qalandars.
“The franchise expressed its sincere appreciation for the efforts of security personnel, recognising their essential role in ensuring a safe and secure environment for players, officials, and spectators. While underscoring that the matter arose from a misunderstanding rather than any deliberate attempt to violate established procedures, Lahore Qalandars reiterated its full respect for all security protocols." it added.
Notably, Raza had taken full responsibility for the security breach while claiming Shaheen didn’t ‘force anyone.’
“Shaheen didn’t force anyone," Raza said. “My friends and family had come, and at my request, Shaheen helped them (come up to my room). If these were the SOPs, I wasn’t aware, and to some extent, Shaheen wasn’t aware either. The culprit here is me, not Shaheen. He went down on my request, because it was my close family and friends; I didn’t want to meet them in the business centre. We sat upstairs for 40 minutes."
Source: News18