NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket has once again found itself at the centre of a controversy, this time linked to alleged ball tampering during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). The latest row emerged from a PSL contest between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, where Lahore’s Fakhar Zaman became the focus of accusations after an incident involving the match ball during the closing stages.
How the incident unfolded in the final over
The controversy took place when Lahore’s fast bowler Haris Rauf was set to deliver the last over. Karachi Kings required 14 runs to win, setting the stage for a decisive finish.
- Haris Rauf was preparing to bowl the final over when captain Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman joined him for a brief discussion to map out the plan.
- Attention then shifted to Fakhar Zaman, who appeared on camera altering the ball, which immediately drew suspicion.
Umpires intervene and Karachi receive penalty runs
On-field umpire Faisal Afridi called for the ball, inspected it, and then held an extended conversation with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula, who was part of the officiating team from Bangladesh.
After the deliberations, the officials concluded that the ball had been deliberately altered. As a result, Karachi Kings were awarded five penalty runs, cutting the chase down to nine runs off the final six deliveries. The ball itself was also replaced following the decision.
Finish of the chase and the outcome
Despite the setback, Karachi carried on with the chase. Khushdil Shah of Karachi holed out off the first ball of the final over, but Haris Rauf responded with a wide on the next delivery. Abbas Afridi then struck boundaries—a four and a six—to complete the job.
- Karachi Kings won by four wickets with 19.3 overs completed.
- The key finishing shots came from Abbas Afridi, who hit a four and then a six in the final over.
PCB statement, hearing timeline and potential ban
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later addressed the incident in an official statement, noting that Fakhar had denied the allegations during a disciplinary hearing chaired by match referee Roshan Mahanama.
- Fakhar Zaman denied the charge during a disciplinary hearing led by match referee Roshan Mahanama.
- A further hearing is scheduled to take place within the next 48 hours.
- After the additional hearing, the match referee will share the final verdict.
- If the charge is proven to be a Level 3 offence, the minimum punishment would be a one-match ban.
