PSL in turmoil: Fakhar Zaman challenges PCB in ball-tampering row
Fakhar Zaman faces a two-match ban in the Pakistan Super League for allegedly altering the ball's condition. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the punishment. Fakhar denies the charges and has formally challenged the suspension.
This incident adds to the Lahore Qalandars' recent off-field issues, including fines for captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and bowler Naseem Shah.
Fakhar Zaman has landed in controversy after being handed a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League for allegedly altering the condition of the ball. The punishment was confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which stated that the veteran batter was found guilty of a Level 3 offence under Article 2. 14 of the Code of Conduct during Lahore Qalandars’ clash against Karachi Kings on Sunday.
The incident in question took place moments before the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings. On-field umpires decided to penalise Lahore Qalandars five runs and replaced the ball, indicating suspected tampering. The charge was brought forward by on-field officials Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.
Fakhar, however, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. According to a report in Geo News, quoting sources, “Fakhar Zaman has challenged his two-match suspension over ball-tampering charges during his side's Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings. ” He formally contested the allegation during a full disciplinary hearing conducted as per the Code of Conduct.