PSL Upholds Fakhar Zaman's Two-Match Ban for Ball Tampering

Lahore, Pakistan – The Pakistan Super League's technical committee on April 3 rejected an appeal from Lahore Qalandars batsman Fakhar Zaman, upholding a two-match suspension for ball tampering during a recent match against Karachi Kings.

The incident occurred on March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium, where Lahore Qalandars faced Karachi Kings. With Karachi needing 14 runs off the final over bowled by Haris Rauf, Zaman, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rauf gathered at the bowler's end and handled the ball during a discussion. Umpire Faisal Afridi requested the ball for inspection, consulted with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula, and determined it had been deliberately altered. Officials awarded five penalty runs to Karachi, reducing their target to nine, and replaced the ball. Abbas Afridi then hit a four and a six to secure a four-wicket victory for Karachi in 19.3 overs.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama charged Zaman with a Level 3 breach of the PSL Code of Conduct, specifically Article 41.3, for altering the ball's condition to gain an unfair advantage. This first offense for the 35-year-old carried a maximum penalty of a two-match ban. Zaman contested the charge, arguing there was no...