Fakhar Zaman Suspended for 2 PSL Matches After Ball-Tampering Verdict
Lahore Qalandars' star opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, following a ball-tampering incident that dramatically altered the course of their match against Karachi Kings on March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially confirmed the ban on March 31, making it one of the most high-profile disciplinary decisions of the PSL 11 season.
The incident occurred in the final moments of Karachi Kings' run chase. With Kings needing 14 runs off the last over, the on-field umpires — Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi — intervened after suspecting the ball's condition had been tampered with. Along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, they inspected the ball and ruled it had been illegally altered. Lahore Qalandars were docked five runs and forced to use a replacement ball, cutting Kings' target from 14 to just 9 off the final over. Karachi chased it down in three balls to win by four wickets.
Video footage from the incident showed Fakhar Zaman taking the ball from Haris Rauf during a break between overs, before returning it to the bowler. The umpires immediately stepped in and replaced the ball. Following the match, PCB charged Fakhar under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel — which makes it an offence to take any action that changes the condition of the ball in breach of playing conditions (Article 41.3).
Fakhar appeared before match referee Roshan Mahanama and denied the charge. However, after a full disciplinary hearing, Mahanama concluded that Fakhar had committed a Level 3 offence. Under PSL rules, a first-time Level 3 breach carries a minimum one-match ban and can extend to a maximum of two matches. Fakhar was handed the maximum penalty — a two-match suspension.
As a result, Fakhar will not be available for Lahore Qalandars' next two matches: against Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, and Islamabad United on April 9 at National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The decision is subject to an appeal within 48 hours to the PSL Technical Committee.
In a related ruling from the same match, Karachi Kings' fast bowler Hasan Ali was fined 10% of his match fee for a Level 1 breach (Article 2.5) after using provocative language toward Lahore's Haseebullah Khan.
The Lahore Qalandars management has been vocally supportive of Fakhar and, according to sources, may explore legal options if the suspension stands.
