By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches after he was found guilty for ball-tampering in Sunday’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings, the PCB said in a statement.
The incident occurred in the final over with Karachi needing 14 runs to win. Fakhar, Lahore captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf were involved in a brief discussion, during which Fakhar and Rauf passed the ball between them.
The umpire then approached Rauf and asked to see the ball. Following consultations with the square‑leg umpire, the officials awarded five penalty runs to Karachi and ordered the ball to be changed.
Zaman has been suspended for two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches after he was found guilty of a Level 3 offence for tampering with the ball,” the PCB said.
“Fakhar denied the offence and contested the charge at a full disciplinary hearing in accordance with the code of conduct,” read the statement.
“Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all evidence and providing an opportunity of a personal hearing to Fakhar.”
Fakhar has the opportunity to appeal against the decision in the next 48 hours.
Cricket’s laws do not allow players to alter the ball, other than when shining it. Law 41.3.2 states “it is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball”.
Fakhar has played three Tests, 92 one-day internationals and 120 T20s for Pakistan.
Karachi Kings are leading the points table while Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Rawalpindiz and Islamabad United are yet to play their second game.