Lahore Qalandars were at the centre of a ball-tampering controversy during their defeat to Karachi Kings, after being penalised five runs for altering the condition of the ball late in the match.
The incident occurred at the end of the 19th over of the second innings, with Karachi needing 14 runs from the final over bowled by Haris Rauf. The game eventually swung in Kings’ favour, who completed the chase with three balls remaining.
Controversial Decision in Final Over
Moments before the final over began, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman gathered near the bowler’s run-up, each handling the ball briefly.
Umpire Faisal Afridi observed the interaction and immediately called for the ball to be inspected. Following a detailed discussion with square-leg umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials determined that the condition of the ball had been deliberately altered.
As a result, five penalty runs were awarded to Karachi Kings, reducing the target from 14 off six balls to nine. The ball was also replaced.
Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi reacted strongly to the decision.
Afridi Responds After the Match
Speaking after the game, Afridi indicated uncertainty regarding the ruling.
“We’ll see [what the umpires say]”.
Kings Capitalise on Late Shift
The penalty proved decisive in the closing stages. Khushdil Shah was dismissed off the first delivery of the final over, and Rauf followed with a wide.
Abbas Afridi then struck a boundary and a six off consecutive deliveries to seal the win for Karachi Kings in dramatic fashion.
Impact on Season Standings
The result keeps Karachi Kings unbeaten with two wins from two matches, while Lahore Qalandars have now split their opening two fixtures.
