Fakhar Zaman handed two-match PSL ban over ball-tampering breach | The Express Tribune
He has been found guilty of breaching the code of conduct by changing the ball’s condition
Fakhar Zaman has denied a charge of ball-tampering in the Pakistan Super League. Photo: PSL
KARACHI:
Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches in the HBL Pakistan Super League after being found guilty of a Level 3 offence for breaching the players’ code of conduct, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday.
The sanction relates to an incident during the closing stages of the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on Sunday, March 29, at Gaddafi Stadium.
According to the PCB, Zaman was found to have breached Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to altering the condition of the ball in contravention of the competition’s playing conditions.
The incident unfolded in the final moments of the contest, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to Karachi Kings. The ball was also replaced before the start of the final over of Karachi’s batting innings, a decision that proved pivotal in the context of the match.
On-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, brought the charge against Zaman. The Pakistan international denied the allegation and opted to contest it at a formal disciplinary hearing, as permitted under the code.
The hearing was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who reviewed the available evidence before reaching a decision. Zaman was also given the opportunity to present his case during the proceedings.
Senior representatives from Lahore Qalandars, including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and manager Farooq Anwar, were present at the hearing.
Under the PSL’s Code of Conduct, a Level 3 offence carries a minimum penalty of a one-match ban and can extend to a maximum of two matches for a first-time breach. Zaman’s suspension falls at the upper end of that scale.
Article 2.14 specifically addresses actions that alter the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the playing conditions. Prohibited conduct includes deliberately roughening the ball, applying artificial or inappropriate substances, tampering with the seam, or scratching the surface with fingernails or any implement.
The ruling means Lahore Qalandars will be without one of their key batters for upcoming fixtures. The defending champions are scheduled to face Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash against Islamabad United on April 9 at the National Bank Stadium.
Zaman retains the right to appeal the decision. As per regulations, any appeal must be lodged with the PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written verdict from the match referee.
The decision underscores the league’s strict stance on maintaining the integrity of the game, particularly in matters relating to ball-tampering, which has historically drawn significant scrutiny in international cricket.
