Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has been handed a two-match ban following a disciplinary verdict tied to a “ball-tampering” incident during the Lahore Qalandars versus Karachi Kings game in the HBL Pakistan Super League. The suspension stems from a Level 3 breach under the players’ code of conduct, with the ruling delivered after a formal hearing and a review of match evidence.
Key takeaways
- Fakhar Zaman received a two-game suspension after being found guilty of a Level 3 offence related to ball-tampering.
- The ban was imposed by the PSL, referencing a breach of Article 2.14 in the applicable code for players and player support personnel.
- Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and delivered the determination after reviewing the evidence.
- The incident occurred during the Lahore Qalandars innings against Karachi Kings, when the teams were contesting the final-over target.
- Umpires awarded Karachi Kings five penalty runs and immediately replaced the ball after concluding it had been deliberately altered by Lahore.
- Karachi Kings ultimately chased the revised target, sealing the win with three balls remaining.
Ban details and disciplinary process
Fakhar Zaman was suspended for two HBL PSL matches after the league concluded he was guilty of a Level 3 violation. The PSL stated that the decision followed a breach of Article 2.14 of the relevant Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the Lahore Qalandars against Karachi Kings fixture on Sunday.
As per the league’s release, the disciplinary hearing was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama. The referee made the final determination after examining all available evidence connected to the incident.
The match flashpoint that changed the chase
The game’s outcome hinged on a major flashpoint at the close of the 19th over of Karachi’s chase. With Karachi needing 14 runs from the last over, Haris Rauf was set to bowl for Lahore Qalandars. Zaman was seen in conversation with Haris Rauf and Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi shortly before the final over began.
Almost immediately after, umpire Faisal Afridi requested the ball. Following a prolonged examination and extended discussion between Afridi and square-leg umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials ultimately concluded that Lahore had deliberately altered the ball’s condition. As a result, Karachi Kings were awarded five penalty runs, and the ball was replaced right away.
Those penalties altered the equation for Karachi, leaving them needing nine runs in the final over. The chase was completed successfully, with Abbas Afridi playing a decisive role by dispatching Rauf for a four and then a six after the bowler delivered a wide.
Karachi Kings therefore finished the chase with three balls to spare, turning the disciplinary ruling into a pivotal moment that directly shaped the final-over target and the margin of victory.
