Ball tampering charge leads to Fakhar Zaman suspension in PSL 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday handed a two-match suspension to Fakhar Zaman after he was found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the Code of Conduct during a PSL 2026 match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 29.

Fakhar was charged with altering the condition of the ball by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. After the match, when match referee Roshan Mahanama imposed the sanctions, the veteran batter denied the offence and opted to contest the charge, leading to a full disciplinary hearing.

The case was thoroughly reviewed at a formal hearing attended by the match referee, Fakhar, Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and manager Farooq Anwar. Following the proceedings, Fakhar was adjudged guilty and handed a two-match suspension.

“Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all the evidence and providing Fakhar with an opportunity for a personal hearing,” PCB said in the release. “Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing.”

Lahore Qalandars will be without Fakhar for their upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.

As per the PSL Code of Conduct, Fakhar may challenge the decision by filing an appeal with the tournament’s Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the match referee’s written ruling.

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