The Pakistan Super League (PSL) continues amid fresh controversy, with Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman facing disciplinary action for ball tampering during a match against Karachi Kings. The incident resulted in a five-run penalty against the defending champions.
Fakhar has been handed a two-match suspension following the episode last Sunday. He was seen handling and pressing the ball, with the on-field umpire identifying the act. After a formal hearing, match referee Roshan Mahanama concluded that Fakhar had tampered with the ball, leading to the sanction.
Appeal lodged against decision
The opener was found to have violated Article 41.3 of the PSL code of conduct. A hearing was required as Fakhar contested the charge. He has now officially appealed the two-match ban, although the chances of a successful outcome remain uncertain.
The charge was brought forward by umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with television umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied the allegations and requested a detailed disciplinary inquiry under the PSL Code of Conduct.
Code of conduct breach confirmed
Under PSL regulations, a first-time Level III offence carries a suspension ranging from one to two matches. Fakhar received the maximum penalty within that range. Present at the hearing were Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar.
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A PCB statement said: “Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all evidence and providing an opportunity of personal hearing to Fakhar. Lahore Qalandars Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Team Director Sameen Rana and Team Manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing.”
Previous ball-tampering allegation
This is not the first instance where Fakhar has faced allegations of ball tampering. During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, in the USA vs Pakistan match, a similar incident drew attention.
At that stage of the game, USA were 98/1 in the 13th over, with Monank Patel striking Shaheen Afridi for a straight six. When the ball was returned to Fakhar at mid-on, players from the USA both on the field and in the dugout noticed him placing the ball under his jersey. He appeared to keep it there with both hands for a prolonged period, making movements that were visible to observers.
USA raise concerns during match
Following that moment, USA were well placed at 98/1, needing 56 runs from 42 balls with nine wickets in hand. In the overs that followed, the ball began to reverse swing, making batting conditions more challenging. The contest eventually went down to the final moments, with USA tying the match after 20 overs and then winning in the super over.
According to USA players in the dugout, concerns were raised immediately. Several players and support staff contacted fourth umpire Rod Tucker soon after the incident to report what they had seen.
For now, Fakhar Zaman is set to miss Lahore Qalandars’ next two fixtures against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United.
