The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) after finding him guilty of ball-tampering during Sunday’s fixture between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.
In an official statement, the PSL confirmed that Fakhar committed a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The violation was established following a disciplinary hearing conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama.
Despite contesting the charge, Fakhar was found guilty after a detailed review of the available evidence. He has been granted 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Incident That Triggered the Controversy
The controversy unfolded just before the final over of the match. Several Qalandars players, including captain Shaheen Afridi and pacer Haris Rauf, were seen repeatedly handling the ball in an unusual manner.
The on-field umpires, observing the sequence, intervened and ordered a ball change, with the fourth umpire stepping in amid confusion. Officials later concluded that the ball’s condition had been altered, resulting in a five-run penalty against Lahore.
The timing of the decision proved crucial. Defending a modest target, Lahore Qalandars saw their margin reduced from 14 runs to nine in the final over, significantly shifting momentum in favour of Karachi Kings, who went on to complete a successful chase.
Previous Concerns Resurface
The latest incident has revived scrutiny over Fakhar’s conduct during a match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 clash between Pakistan and the USA in Dallas. During that game, Fakhar was seen holding the ball under his jersey in a manner that raised concerns among opposition players.
While the matter was reportedly brought to the attention of match officials at the time, no formal action was taken.
What Lies Ahead
With the suspension now in effect, Fakhar’s absence is expected to impact Lahore Qalandars’ campaign in the PSL. The incident also underscores the league’s strict stance on maintaining the integrity of the game, particularly in matters related to ball-tampering.
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