NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket has been shaken by a ball-tampering controversy during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with the incident coming to the fore in the clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings. Captain Shaheen Afridi, opener Fakhar Zaman and fast bowler Haris Rauf were all drawn into the discussion as match officials scrutinised what appeared to be an alteration of the ball just before Karachi’s final-over challenge.
The flashpoint arrived in the last over, when Karachi Kings required 14 runs from six deliveries. Haris Rauf was scheduled to bowl the final set of balls, and moments before the over began, Afridi and Fakhar joined him for a quick discussion about the plan for the over.
What drew particular attention was Fakhar appearing to adjust or change the ball in view of cameras. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi requested the ball, examined it and then spent time in consultation with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula, who was in communication from Bangladesh.
After their deliberations, the officials ruled that the ball had been deliberately tampered with. As a result, Karachi Kings were awarded five penalty runs, which cut the chase down to nine runs off the remaining six balls, and the ball was replaced as well. In the end, Lahore Qalandars still fell short, losing the match by four wickets.
Raza addresses the controversy after the game
After the match, Lahore Qalandars used overseas player Sikandar Raza to respond to the media during the post-match press conference, where questions about the incident were unavoidable. Raza explained that the umpires had asked the side to take up their positions, particularly because they were communicating with the third umpire. He added that the exact reason behind the instruction would be known only to those officials involved in the discussions.
Raza then clarified his own stance, saying he had no intention of changing the condition of the ball. He said he was focused on trying to dry or shine the ball, especially in areas near the boundary ropes where dew can be present. He also noted that he was positioned at long-on, where there is typically some moisture, and therefore the instruction given was not to attempt to dry the ball inside a shirt, but to carry out the process using sleeves instead.
He further responded to the allegations circulating as clips spread, stating that without proper evidence, it would be a major step to make such claims. Raza also said he had gone to the dressing room after the match and that he could guarantee he had not been called for any enquiry.
Fakhar Zaman hit with Level 3 charge
Star opener Fakhar Zaman was formally charged on Sunday by match referee Roshan Mahanama, receiving a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The charge stemmed from a violation of Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which bars any act that alters the condition of the ball.
When he appeared before the former Sri Lankan batter, Zaman denied the charges. The match referee is expected to conduct another hearing within the next 48 hours before reaching a verdict.
If the offence is upheld, Zaman could face serious penalties, and the Lahore Qalandars as a team may also potentially be subject to punishment.
