Lahore, March 31 – Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being found guilty of violating Article 2.14 of the tournament’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the decision on Tuesday following the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, which was held on Sunday, March 29, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Article 2.14 addresses violations related to altering the condition of the ball, specifically in contravention of clause 41.3 of the HBL PSL Playing Conditions.
It states, "The following actions shall therefore not be permitted (this list of actions is not exhaustive but is included for illustrative purposes): (a) deliberately throwing the ball on the ground to roughen it up; (b) applying any artificial substance to the ball; and applying any non-artificial substance for any purpose other than to polish the ball; (c) lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball; and (d) scratching the surface of the ball with finger or thumb nails or any implement."
A first-time Level 3 offence can result in a suspension ranging from one to two matches. It also states, "Any appeal under this Article must be lodged with the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receipt of the written decision of the Match Referee."
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when the on-field umpires penalized Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied the allegations and opted to challenge the accusation during a formal disciplinary hearing, as permitted under the Code of Conduct.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama presided over the hearing, reviewing the evidence and allowing Fakhar to present his case before reaching a final decision. Also present were Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar.
Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to play their upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at the Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash with Islamabad United on Thursday (April 9) at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.