The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has found itself in the middle of another shocking controversy, and it involves some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket – Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf. The ball tampering incident during the PSL 2026 match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings has shocked the entire world.
Fakhar Zaman’s actions during the final stages of the PSL 2026 clash came under serious doubt. The controversy erupted soon after TV replays and match footage indicated possible ball tampering during Karachi Kings’ successful run chase in Lahore.
Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are being criticized for PSL 2026
Reacting to this embarrassment, former Pakistan cricketers have openly criticized not only Fakhar but also Lahore captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf. He believed that all three should be held responsible for what happened on the field.
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After the clip went viral, Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal wondered whether this could have happened without the knowledge of senior members of the team. Akmal believes that such acts usually involve more than one person and hence Fakhar, Shaheen and Haris will have to answer for it.
It’s over for Fakhar Zaman: Basil Ali
Basit said in a live TV show, “Gaya Fakhar Zaman. Fakhar Zaman is gone.” [It’s over for Fakhar Zaman]. Since the evidence has come to light, I am sure he will be fined heavily.”
Kamran said during the same discussion, “There will be punishment, I think there will be. On Fakhar as well as on the captain (Shaheen). There is responsibility. But there is a captain, there is responsibility on the captain too. There will be punishment, I think there will be. For Fakhar too, and for Haris Rauf and Captain (Shaheen). Responsibility comes with it. After all, he is the captain, and the captain also has responsibilities].
Basit Ali said, “It’s all over for Fakhar Zaman. Since the evidence has come out, I am sure he will be fined heavily.”
Kamran Akmal said, “Not only Fakhar Zaman, captain Shaheen and Haris Rauf are also responsible for this ball tampering. They can also be banned.” pic.twitter.com/TYWAEEdj97
— Abdullah. (@Abdullah_56) 29 March 2026
Meanwhile, the PSL Disciplinary Committee is now reviewing every detail including TV footage, umpire reports and inputs from the match referee. Once the investigation is complete, the PSL is expected to announce the next steps, which could impact Lahore’s campaign this season.
At present the future of Shaheen, Fakhar and Rauf is not secure at all. All eyes are now on the disciplinary committee as the cricket world waits to see what action will be taken against the players involved.
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PCB charges Fakhar Zaman in PSL 2026 ball tampering case
Well, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been officially charged for ball tampering, and the final decision will be announced soon.
“Fakhar Zaman of Lahore Qalandars has been charged with a Level 3 offense under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct applicable to players and player support personnel for breaching Article 41.3 of the Playing Conditions of the HBL PSL 11, which makes it an offense to take any action that alters the condition of the ball,” the PCB said in an official statement.
The statement further read, “Fakhar denied the allegations made against him during the disciplinary hearing led by match referee Roshan Mahanama. Another hearing is scheduled to be held within the next 48 hours, after which the match referee will share his decision. The incident occurred during the second innings of the match.”
