Sikandar Raza Thanks PCB Amid Lahore Qalandars’ Disciplinary Issues

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars all-rounder Sikandar Raza expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) management after they allowed his family to visit him during the ongoing PSL 11 season.

Taking to social media platform X, Raza wrote,

“Thank you, PCB and PSL management for allowing my family and relatives to come and see me in my room. Your kind gesture is greatly appreciated.”

The message highlights Sikandar Raza’s gratitude amid a period of turbulence for the defending champions as the team navigates various off-field issues.

Qalandars’ Recent Disciplinary Challenges

The franchise recently faced controversy when captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined Rs1 million over a security breach involving unauthorised entry into the team’s hotel rooms. The incident reportedly involved Afridi allowing Raza’s guests entry against the directions of security staff.

The club described the matter as a misunderstanding rather than a deliberate violation and confirmed it had been thoroughly investigated internally. Lahore Qalandars informed the PCB of their findings, noting that the action against Afridi reflected the team’s commitment to accountability and discipline, demonstrating the franchise’s handling of PSL disciplinary issues.

Fakhar Zaman Suspension

Further controversy struck as opening batter Fakhar Zaman received a two-match suspension in PSL 11 for a Level 3 breach of the tournament’s Code of Conduct. The PCB confirmed the ruling following an incident during the Qalandars’ clash with Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, 30 March.

The offence occurred in the final stages of the match, when umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by five runs and replaced the ball ahead of Karachi Kings’ last over. Umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, brought the charge against Zaman.

Zaman denied the allegations and requested a full disciplinary hearing under the PSL Code of Conduct. Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the hearing, reviewing evidence and granting Zaman a personal hearing. Present at the proceedings were captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar.

Zaman was charged under Article 2.14 of the Code, relating to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.”