Pakistan Cricketer Fakhar Zaman Suspended for Ball-Tampering in PSL
Pakistan international cricketer Fakhar Zaman has been handed a two-match suspension from the Pakistan Super League after being found guilty of ball-tampering. The incident occurred during Lahore Qalandars' four-wicket defeat by Karachi Kings on Sunday, casting a shadow over the tournament.
Disciplinary Hearing Upholds Offence
The 35-year-old batter denied the charge and contested it at a disciplinary hearing. However, match referee Roshan Mahanama upheld the offence, imposing the maximum sanction permitted under the league's regulations. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the decision in an official statement on Tuesday, noting that Zaman was found guilty of a Level III offence.
Incident Details During Final Over
The tampering took place in the final over of Karachi's run-chase. Fakhar, alongside Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf, was involved in a discussion during which Fakhar and Rauf were seen passing the ball between them. An umpire subsequently approached Rauf, requested to inspect the ball, and then awarded the batting side five penalty runs before ordering the ball to be changed immediately.
Fakhar Zaman's International Career
Fakhar has represented Pakistan in all three formats, playing three Tests, 92 one-day internationals and 120 T20 internationals. He was a key part of the squad that won the 2017 Champions Trophy, smashing his maiden one-day international hundred in the final as Pakistan claimed a dominant victory over India at the Oval.
PSL Faces Disciplinary Scrutiny
The Pakistan Super League, currently being played behind closed doors in Lahore and Karachi due to fuel shortages linked to the conflict in the Middle East, has faced increased scrutiny amid a series of disciplinary issues. This incident adds to recent controversies, including fast bowler Naseem Shah being fined 20 million Pakistani rupees for a social media post that appeared to criticise Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Separately, Lahore fined captain Shaheen Shah Afridi approximately PKR 1 million after police accused him of breaching security protocols at the team hotel, an incident that also involved Zimbabwe T20 captain Sikandar Raza. These events highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining discipline within the high-profile tournament.
