LAHORE (March 31, 2026): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches in the Pakistan Super League after he was found guilty of a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct.

The incident occurred during the closing stages of the clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on March 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium, where the on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars with five runs and ordered a ball change before the final over of Karachi’s innings.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Afridi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.

Fakhar Zaman denied the allegation and contested the charge during a full disciplinary hearing conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama.

After reviewing all evidence and hearing the player’s defense, Mahanama upheld the charge. The hearing was also attended by Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar.

Article 2.14 relates to altering the condition of the ball in violation of Clause 41.3 of PSL playing conditions. The rules strictly prohibit actions such as:

• Deliberately throwing the ball to roughen it
• Applying artificial or unauthorized substances
• Interfering with the seam
• Scratching the ball’s surface using nails or any object

A Level 3 offence carries a minimum one-match ban and can extend to two matches for a first violation — the maximum penalty has been applied in this case.

Fakhar’s suspension is a significant setback for Lahore Qalandars, who are set to face Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash against Islamabad United on April 9 at the National Bank Stadium.

The PCB confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has the right to appeal the decision. Any appeal must be submitted to the PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written verdict.