Fakhar Zaman Handed Two-Match Ban for Ball Tampering in PSL

Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two Pakistan Super League matches after being found guilty of ball tampering, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred during Sunday’s clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings when, ahead of the final over, umpires ruled that the 35-year-old had “unfairly changed the condition of the ball” and awarded five penalty runs to the Kings, who needed 14 to win.

A second and final disciplinary hearing took place on Monday, presided over by match referee Roshan Mahanama. Despite Fakhar denying the offence and contesting the charge under the tournament’s code of conduct, Mahanama upheld the sanction after reviewing all available evidence and granting the player a personal hearing.

The PCB statement reiterated that cricket’s Law 41.3.2 prohibits any action that alters the state of the ball beyond permissible shining. Fakhar now has a 48-hour window to appeal the decision.

The ban sidelines the veteran left-hander for Lahore’s next two PSL fixtures. Across his international career, Fakhar has represented Pakistan in three Tests, 92 ODIs and 120 T20s.