Fakhar Zaman Appeals Two-Match Ban Over Ball-Tampering Allegation in PSL
By Sadia Khan :
Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman has filed an appeal against a two-match suspension imposed for alleged ball tampering during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings, sources said on Wednesday.
According to officials familiar with the matter, Fakhar has submitted his challenge to the PSL Technical Committee after being charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The charge relates to an alleged violation of Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which forbids players from altering the condition of the ball.
The PCB confirmed the suspension on Tuesday following an incident during the March 29 match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings. During the game, Fakhar was seen briefly passing the ball with fast bowler Haris Rauf while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was also nearby. The ball was later inspected by the on-field umpire.
After discussions among match officials, the umpires imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore Qalandars and replaced the ball. The decision proved costly for the defending champions as Karachi Kings’ Abbas Afridi struck a boundary and a six to guide his team to a four-wicket victory with three balls remaining.
Umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with television umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, subsequently reported the incident and lodged the charge against the left-handed batter.
Fakhar has denied any wrongdoing and requested a full disciplinary hearing in line with the PSL Code of Conduct. The hearing was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who reviewed the available evidence and granted Fakhar the opportunity to present his case. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the proceedings.
Under the relevant rules, offences involving altering the condition of the ball include actions such as applying artificial substances, scratching the surface, tampering with the seam or deliberately roughening the ball. A Level 3 breach can result in a suspension ranging from one to two matches, and players are allowed to appeal within 48 hours of receiving the referee’s written decision.
With the suspension currently in place, Fakhar is expected to miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.
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