New Delhi: In a big blow to Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected the Pakistan batter’s appeal to overturn the two-match suspension verdict for ball tampering during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash.
The Lahore Qalandars cricketer was suspended for two matches for a ball tampering incident during a PSL game against Karachi Kings. Zaman denied any wrongdoing in the hearing and decided to appeal against the verdict. However, PCB has confirmed that the sanction will stand after the PSL Technical Committee upheld the punishment handed down by match referee Roshan Mahanama.
Zaman had challenged the ruling under the PSL code of conduct after being handed the maximum penalty for his first Level 3 offence of the 2026 season.
No reprieve for Fakhar Zaman as PCB upholds two-game ban
“After reviewing all evidence and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban,” PCB’s official statement read.
“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.”
Zaman was found guilty of breaching Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, in relation to changing the condition of the ball to gain an unfair advantage during a match. While the Level 3 offence carries a suspension ranging from one to two matches for a first-time violation, match referee Mahanama opted for the maximum penalty following a hearing where Fakhar had rejected the charges.
During Lahore Qalandars’ four-wicket defeat to Karachi Kings on Sunday, Zaman appeared to scratch the ball while having a chat with fast bowler Haris Rauf and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi before the start of the final over.
The incident drew the attention of the on-field officials, who concluded that the condition of the ball had been deliberately changed and penalised Lahore by deducting five runs from Karachi’s target. The officials also changed the ball as Karachi chased down the revised target of nine runs in the final over with ease.