Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches in the Pakistan Super League 2026 after being found guilty of ball tampering during a game between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on March 29. The incident occurred in the final over when Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi handed the ball to Haris Rauf. With 14 runs needed off six balls, Fakhar briefly took the ball and appeared to scuff its surface while concealing it in his palm.
On-field officials, including umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, detected the irregularity. The ball was immediately replaced, and Karachi Kings were awarded five penalty runs, a decision that proved decisive as they secured victory by four wickets with three balls remaining.
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Despite denying wrongdoing after the match, Fakhar faced a disciplinary hearing led by match referee Roshan Mahanama. Representatives from Lahore Qalandars, including team management, were present during proceedings. After reviewing the evidence, Mahanama ruled that Fakhar had committed a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct.
As a result, Fakhar will miss Qalandars’ upcoming matches against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. He has been given 48 hours to appeal the decision. If he accepts the charge, he will also be barred from playing for the next 10 days.
