PSL Technical Committee Rejects Fakhar Zaman’s Appeal Against Two-Match Ban

The technical committee of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has dismissed Fakhar Zaman’s plea to review the two-match ban imposed by referee Roshan Mahanama. The latest statement from the board confirmed the development, stating that the decision will remain unchanged.

Fakhar Zaman was fined by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after he was found to have breached Level 3 offence for ball-tampering during the recent Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars match at Gaddafi Stadium.

Fakhar denied the charge and asked for a full hearing, which was led by match referee Roshan Mahanama. After reviewing the case and hearing his side, the referee gave him a two-match ban, the strictest punishment for a first Level 3 offence.

The left-handed batter again lodged a formal appeal, so that the PSL Technical Committee can reassess the decision, however, he failed to prove his case there as well.

According to the cricket board, Fakhar’s appeal was heard today by the PSL Technical Committee, which included Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Syed Ali Naqi.

After going through all the evidence and listening to those involved, the PSL Technical Committee decided to keep the two-match ban given by match referee Roshan Mahanama on Fakhar Zaman.

"The appeal was heard today by the PSL Technical Committee comprising Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Mr Syed Ali Naqi. Pursuant to conducting a de novo inquiry, reviewing all evidence, and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the Committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban imposed by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama," said the PCB 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." added the PCB statement.

Fakhar Zaman was charged under article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which relates to changing the ball to gain an unfair advantage during a match. The incident happened during the recent Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars clash, when umpire Faisal Afridi asked Haris Rauf for the ball after it had been passed between Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar before the final over.

Faisal then had a long discussion with the other umpire, Sharfuddoula, and they decided to replace the ball, because its condition looked visibly changed. Considering that, Lahore Qalandars were also given a five-run penalty, which turned out to be crucial as Karachi Kings chased the target and won the match with three balls left.