According to the PCB, Fakhar violated Article 2.14 of the code of conduct, which relates to altering the condition of the ball. The offence is classified as a Level 3 violation, which carries strict penalties under PSL rules.
The incident took place during the final moments of the match on March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium. Umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars with five runs and ordered a replacement of the ball before the last over of Karachi Kings’ innings.
Before the decision, Fakhar Zaman, Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, and bowler Haris Rauf were seen discussing the situation. Fakhar and Rauf were observed handling the ball, which was later examined by the on-field umpire.
After consultation with officials, the penalty was imposed, and the ball was replaced. This decision had a major impact on the match, as Karachi Kings went on to win by four wickets with three balls remaining, thanks to a strong finish by Abbas Afridi.
The charge was raised by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied the allegation and challenged the charge during a formal hearing.
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Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing, where evidence was reviewed and statements were heard from the player and team officials, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar.
Under PSL rules, Level 3 offences related to ball tampering can result in a suspension ranging from one to two matches. Any appeal must be submitted within 48 hours to the PSL Technical Committee after the referee’s written decision.
Following the match, Shaheen Shah Afridi said the team would review the situation and discuss the matter internally, indicating uncertainty at the time about the incident.
With this suspension, Fakhar Zaman will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.
