Fakhar Zaman is facing a potential suspension after being charged with altering the condition of the ball during Lahore Qalandars’ four-wicket defeat to Karachi Kings in PSL 2026. The offence has been classified as Level III, carrying a minimum one-match ban, with match referee Roshan Mahanama set to conduct a hearing in the coming days.
Incident During Final Over Sparks Charge
The incident occurred at the start of the final over of Karachi’s chase. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi called for the ball after it had been passed between Haris Rauf and Fakhar.
Following an extended discussion between the officials, the ball was deemed to have been tampered with. It was subsequently replaced, and five penalty runs were awarded to Karachi Kings.
Fakhar is expected to contest the charge as the matter proceeds to a formal hearing.
Previous Incident Draws Attention
This has also brought renewed attention to an earlier episode during the USA vs Pakistan match at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Dallas.
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During that game, with USA at 98 for 1 in the 13th over, Monank Patel struck Shaheen Afridi for a six. As the ball was returned, Fakhar, positioned at mid-on, was seen placing it under his jersey.
Observers from the USA side noted that Fakhar appeared to hold the ball under his shirt with both hands for a prolonged period, with movements that did not resemble routine polishing.
Players later highlighted that shining the ball typically involves using one hand, whereas the use of both hands under the jersey raised concerns about possible alteration of the ball’s condition.
Match Context and Reaction
Following the sequence, USA’s players and support staff raised concerns with fourth umpire Rod Tucker. Captain Monank Patel is understood to have included the incident in his post-match report, while a verbal complaint was also made to match referee Jeff Crowe.
No formal charge was brought at the time, and the matter was not made public. The ICC did not respond to requests for comment before publication.
Ongoing Process
The earlier incident remains unproven, but its resurfacing has added context to the current charge in PSL 2026.
It is important to note that Fakhar Zaman has not been found guilty in either instance. The outcome of the ongoing hearing will determine whether further action is taken.
