Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is underway; However, Pakistan cricket is not far from controversies, as there are some other controversies associated with it. Recently, during the PSL, Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman was penalized for ball tampering during a game against Karachi Kings, which led to a five-run penalty for the defending champions.
Fakhar Zaman has been banned for two matches for the incident that happened last Sunday. The southpaw was caught holding the ball and pressing the ball with his hands, and the on-field umpire caught him doing so, and he was banned, after a hearing where match referee Roshan Mahanama concluded that Fakhar had tampered with the ball.
Fakhar Zaman appeals against his ban
The opening batsman violated Article 41.3 of the PSL Code of Conduct. The hearing had to be held because Fakhar had opposed the allegation of ball tampering. Fakhar Zaman has now filed an appeal against his two-match ban. However, it is unlikely that his appeal will get him any positive support.
Umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Afridi, television umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rashid filed charges against the defending champions’ opening batsman. The 35-year-old player rejected the allegations and demanded a detailed disciplinary investigation under the PSL code of conduct.
Fakhar violated PSL code of conduct
A player is suspended for a minimum of one match or a maximum of two matches for a first-time Level III offense under the PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present in the hearing.
A PCB statement said: “Match referee Roshan Mahanama held a disciplinary hearing and made the decision after reviewing all the evidence and providing Fakhar an opportunity of a personal hearing. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing.”
Fakhar Zaman also tampered with the ball during the T20 World Cup.
This is not the first time that Fakhar Zaman has been accused of ball tampering. Earlier, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, during the USA vs Pakistan match, with USA score 98/1 in the 13th over, Monank Patel launched Shaheen Afridi for a straight six.
As the ball returned to Fakhar, who was standing at mid-on, USA players on the field and in the dugout saw him catch the ball and tuck it under his jersey. Fakhar was seen holding the ball with both hands for a long time under his shirt, with some people noticing the obvious finger movements.
America complained about the molestation incident
Then at the end of the 13th over, after dismissing Shaheen Afridi, the United States were in control, needing 56 runs from 42 balls and with nine wickets in hand. In the next overs, the ball started reverse swinging, which made playing strokes more difficult. The match eventually ended in a draw, and the USA tied the game at the end of 20 overs before winning in the Super Over.
According to USA players in the dugout, reaction to the incident was intense. As soon as the incident occurred, several players and support team members approached fourth umpire Rod Tucker to express their concerns, reports Cricbuzz. As of now, Fakhar Zaman will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming two matches against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United.
Also read: Arjun Tendulkar on disappointment with Mumbai Indians: “Nobody wants to sit on the bench”
