Fakhar Zaman Suspended for Two Matches Over Ball-Tampering Incident in PSL 11

Lahore Qalandars’ opener Fakhar Zaman has received a two-match suspension after being charged with a Level 3 breach of the PSL Code of Conduct. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the ruling on Monday, following an incident in the clash against Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Sunday, 29 March.

The offence occurred during the closing stages of the match, when umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by five runs and instructed a ball replacement ahead of Karachi Kings’ final over. The incident prompted the on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, TV umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed to lodge a formal charge against Zaman.

Disciplinary Process

Zaman denied the allegations and requested a full disciplinary hearing under the PSL Code of Conduct. The hearing was conducted by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama, who reviewed all available evidence and granted Zaman a personal hearing. Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar were present during the proceedings.

The player was charged under Article 2.14 for “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.” A first-time Level 3 offence carries a suspension of one to two matches, resulting in the Fakhar Zaman suspension.

Upcoming Matches and Appeals

As a result of the suspension, Zaman will miss Lahore Qalandars’ fixtures against Multan Sultans on Friday, 3 April at Gaddafi Stadium and Islamabad United on Thursday, 9 April at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. Any appeal against the ruling must be filed with the PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the match referee’s written decision.

The incident has drawn attention to PSL disciplinary action and the importance of maintaining fair play standards, while Zaman’s absence will be a key factor in Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming matches, putting pressure on the team’s batting lineup.