"I Deny the Allegation" – Fakhar Files Appeal Over Shock Two-Match Ban for Alleged Ball Tampering

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars opening batter Fakhar Zaman has filed an appeal against his two-match suspension, issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following a Level 3 breach of the PSL Code of Conduct. The penalty stems from an incident during Sunday’s clash with Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium.

The charge relates to a violation under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code, which addresses “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.” Umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with television umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, reported the offence.

Zaman, 35, denied the allegation and requested a full disciplinary hearing. Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the hearing, reviewing all evidence and granting Zaman a personal session. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar attended the proceedings.

A first Level 3 offence carries a minimum one-match suspension and a maximum of two matches. Zaman has now submitted an appeal to the PSL Technical Committee, seeking a reversal of the sanction.

Lahore Qalandars are next scheduled to face Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a fixture against Islamabad United on Thursday, April 9, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The outcome of Zaman’s appeal will determine his availability for these matches.