New Delhi, March 31: Renowned Pakistani cricketer Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 due to ball tampering. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed this decision on Tuesday.
On March 29, during a match at Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi Kings needed 14 runs from the last six balls against Lahore Qalandars. Just before the final over began, Lahore’s captain Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman were seen discussing while handling the ball. During this time, Fakhar appeared to be scratching the ball.
The on-field umpires determined that there had been deliberate tampering with the ball’s condition. Consequently, Lahore Qalandars were penalized five runs, and the old ball was replaced with a new one. This change altered the match dynamics, requiring Karachi Kings to score just nine runs from six balls. Abbas Afridi hit a four and a six, leading his team to a four-wicket victory.
Fakhar Zaman’s suspension is linked to a violation of Article 2.14, which pertains to altering the condition of the ball. The allegations were made by on-field umpires Shahid Saqat and Faisal Khan Afridi, TV umpire Asif Yaqub, and fourth umpire Tariq Rashid. However, Fakhar has denied the charges and has decided to contest them, leading to a disciplinary hearing.
For a Level-3 offense, the suspension can range from one to two matches. Under the PSL code of conduct, players have the right to appeal to the tournament’s technical committee within 48 hours of receiving the written decision from the match referee.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama made his ruling after reviewing the evidence and hearing Fakhar’s defense. During the hearing, Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar were present.
Lahore Qalandars will play against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9, during which Fakhar Zaman will not be allowed to participate.
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