PSL: Fakhar Zaman loses appeal against two-game ban for ball tampering

Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman has lost his appeal against a two-match suspension imposed for ball tampering during a Pakistan Super League clash against Karachi Kings, with the Pakistan Cricket Board confirming that the sanction will stand.

The decision was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday after the PSL Technical Committee upheld the punishment handed down by match referee Roshan Mahanama. Fakhar had exercised his right to appeal under the PSL code of conduct after being handed the maximum penalty for what was his first Level 3 offence of the 2026 season.

"After reviewing all evidence and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban," the PCB said in an official statement. "In accordance with the Code of Conduct, any decision made by the PSL Technical Committee shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties."

Fakhar was found guilty of breaching Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which relates to changing the condition of the ball in order to gain an unfair advantage during a match. A Level 3 offence carries a suspension ranging from one to two matches for a first-time violation, with the match referee opting for the maximum sanction following a hearing in which Fakhar had contested the charge.

The incident took place during Lahore Qalandars' four-wicket



defeat to Karachi Kings on Sunday night in a game that went down to the final over. With Karachi needing 14 runs for victory, Fakhar was seen in discussion with fast bowler Haris Rauf and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi near the top of the run-up. During that exchange, the ball passed through multiple hands, drawing the attention of the on-field officials.

Umpire Faisal Afridi requested the ball from Rauf and conducted an inspection, followed by a lengthy discussion with the second on-field umpire, Sharfuddoula. The officials concluded that the condition of the ball had been deliberately altered. As a result, they awarded Karachi five penalty runs and replaced the ball before the final over commenced.

The penalty proved crucial in shaping the outcome of the match. Karachi Kings seized the momentum, with Abbas Afridi striking a four and a six to complete a tense chase in 19.3 overs, sealing a four-wicket win with three balls to spare.

Fakhar's appeal was heard by the PSL Technical Committee comprising Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Syed Ali Naqi. After conducting a de novo inquiry, reviewing all available evidence, and hearing submissions from the relevant parties, the committee decided to reject the appeal and uphold the original sanction.

The ruling means Fakhar will not be available for Lahore Qalandars' upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9.