New Delhi: Fakhar Zaman of Lahore Qalandars has been handed a two-match suspension in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach under Article 2.14 of the Players and Support Personnel Code of Conduct, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed.
The suspension after a ball-tampering incident that took place during the Twenty20 match against Karachi Kings at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on 29 March. At the beginning of the last over, the on-field umpire Faisal Afridi took the ball from pacer Haris Rauf for inspection after it had exchanged hands between Zaman and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Faisal was seen in a long discussion with Sharfuddoula, the other on-field umpire. The two then decided to bring in a replacement ball, as they thought it was tampered.
The on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the visiting side. Karachi Kings then went on to win by 4 wickets with 3 balls remaining in the match.
This fine was imposed in accordance with clause 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions that allows the umpires to “make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball.”
Clause 41.3.5.1 allows the “batter at the wicket” to opt for the replacement ball from the “selection of six other balls of various degrees of usage.” Additionally, it gives a penalty of five runs to be awarded to the batting side if they seek for a replacement ball after the umpires identify the player or players responsible for changing the ball’s condition.
The charge was brought by the match officials, including TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Zaman denied the allegation and opted to contest it in a formal disciplinary hearing.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama presided over the hearing, reviewed the evidence, and gave Fakhar a chance to present his case before arriving at the final decision.
Representatives from Lahore Qalandars, including Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar, were also present. Zaman was found guilty in the formal disciplinary hearing.
Following the suspension, the Pakistani international cricketer is set to miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on 3 April in Lahore and Islamabad United on 9 April in Karachi.
(Edited by Tony Rai)