Lahore Qalandars batter denies Level 3 offense as umpires award five penalty runs to Karachi Kings in dramatic final-over finish.
LAHORE — Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman has been charged with ball tampering following a dramatic Pakistan Super League (PSL) encounter against Karachi Kings on Sunday, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirming that a final verdict will be delivered within 48 hours.
The incident unfolded in the tense final over of the match, with Karachi Kings requiring 14 runs for victory. Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, bowler Haris Rauf, and Zaman were seen gathered at the bowler’s run-up, each handling the ball during their discussion—a routine sight during high-pressure moments in cricket.
Umpire Faisal Afridi called for the ball, conducted an inspection, and held a lengthy consultation with his on-field colleague, Sharfuddoula of Bangladesh. Both umpires concluded that the ball had been deliberately altered, awarding five penalty runs to Karachi, reducing their target to nine runs off the final six deliveries. The ball was also replaced.
Zaman Denies Charge; Hearing Underway
A disciplinary hearing was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama following the match.
“Fakhar denied the charge leveled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama,” the PCB stated.
“Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours after which the match referee will share his verdict.”
If found guilty, Zaman faces a minimum punishment of a one-match ban for a Level 3 offense under the PCB’s code of conduct.
Karachi Seals Thrilling Victory
Despite the controversy, Karachi Kings went on to secure a four-wicket win. Khushdil Shah holed out on the first ball of the final over, but Haris Rauf followed with a wide before Abbas Afridi struck a four and a six to seal victory with three balls to spare.
The ball-tampering allegation has sparked intense debate among cricket analysts and fans, with attention now focused on the upcoming hearing and its implications for one of Pakistan cricket’s most prominent players.
