Fakhar Zaman’s bid to overturn a suspension has ended in disappointment, with the Pakistan Super League’s appellate setup confirming a two-match ban for ball tampering. The Lahore Qalandars opener had taken the matter to the PSL appeals pathway after contesting the punishment handed down by match referee Roshan Mahanama, but a three-member technical committee dismissed the challenge following a close review of the material available.
In its release, the Pakistan Cricket Board said Fakhar appealed the referee’s ruling to suspend him for two PSL games for breaching Article 2.14 of the relevant Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The charge was linked to the Lahore Qalandars versus Karachi Kings match played on Sunday, 29 March at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The hearing was conducted by a technical committee made up of Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Syed Ali Naqi. After examining the case afresh and considering the evidence in detail, the panel reached its decision and rejected the appeal.
The PCB statement further quoted the committee’s process, noting that it carried out a de novo inquiry—meaning a fresh look at the matter—while reviewing all evidence and hearing submissions from the relevant individuals. It then dismissed Fakhar’s appeal and upheld the two-match ban originally imposed by match referee Roshan Mahanama.
The underlying allegation falls under Article 2.14, which concerns “Changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.” Under the tournament’s disciplinary framework, this is classified as a Level 3 offence, which carries a minimum sanction of one match and a maximum of two.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the Karachi Kings contest. During that phase, the on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition, and the ball was also replaced before the final over. The complaint was raised by umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.
Fakhar denied the allegations and requested a formal hearing, where he presented his case in the presence of Lahore Qalandars officials. Those present included captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar.
With the committee’s ruling now final and binding, Fakhar will be unavailable for Lahore Qalandars’ next fixtures. The side will face Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore, followed by a match against Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.
