The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued new directives to all Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises following a breach of security protocols at a team hotel, making it clear that further breaches will not be tolerated.
The move came after Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who is currently representing Lahore Qalandars, shared on social media that he was grateful to the PCB for allowing him to join his family at the team hotel.
In response, the PCB sent an official communication to all franchises and stakeholders, stating that players and team officials cannot meet family members at the team hotel without prior approval. The board has ordered that any such request must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.“The Board has made it clear that anyone who wants to meet family members at the hotel must seek permission 24 hours before the family members’ planned visit,” the source close to the PCB said.
He said the Board had further clarified that it would try to arrange a suitable meeting point for the players with their families at the team hotel.
“The Board has also made it clear that only the wife, parents, brother and sister of the player can enter the players’ lounge, that too after obtaining permission from the Board 24 hours in advance,” the source added.
He said senior police officials had taken seriously the violation of security protocol by Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar last Saturday night, when four guests were found in the latter’s room late at night.
“Police officials conveyed to the Board that unless all franchises strictly comply with safety protocols, it will be impossible for them to provide a safe environment at the team hotel for all players and officials.”
It is also learned that the PCB’s security director and anti-corruption chief conveyed his concerns about the breach to PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
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