LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman, the opening batter of Lahore Qalandars, has been suspended for two matches in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the Code of Conduct.
The decision was officially confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board following a disciplinary hearing related to an incident that occurred during Lahore Qalandars’ clash against Karachi Kings on March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium.
🔍 Incident Details
The controversy unfolded during the final stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars for altering the condition of the ball.
As a result:
- Karachi Kings were awarded five penalty runs
- The ball was immediately replaced before the final over
The charge was brought forward by:
- Umpire Shahid Saikat
- Umpire Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- TV Umpire Asif Yaqoob
- Fourth Umpire Tariq Rasheed
⚖️ Disciplinary Hearing & Verdict
Despite denying the allegations, Fakhar Zaman requested a full disciplinary hearing under PSL rules.
The hearing was overseen by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who reviewed all evidence and conducted a personal hearing before delivering the final verdict.
Zaman was charged under:
➡️ Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct
➡️ Related to changing the condition of the ball in violation of playing conditions
A Level 3 offence carries:
- Minimum: 1-match ban
- Maximum: 2-match ban
The referee imposed the maximum penalty of two matches.
🏏 Team Management Present
During the hearing, key representatives from Lahore Qalandars were also present, including:
- Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Team Director Sameen Rana
- Team Manager Farooq Anwar
📅 Upcoming Matches Impact
Following the suspension, Fakhar Zaman will miss crucial upcoming fixtures:
- vs Multan Sultans — April 3 (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
- vs Islamabad United — April 9 (National Bank Stadium, Karachi)
This could be a major setback for Lahore Qalandars as they aim to defend their PSL title.
⚠️ Appeal Option
According to PSL regulations, the player has the right to appeal the decision within 48 hours by submitting a request to the PSL Technical Committee after receiving the written ruling.
📝 Final Words
The suspension of Fakhar Zaman highlights the PSL’s strict stance on maintaining fair play and discipline. As the tournament progresses, this incident serves as a reminder that any breach of conduct can have serious consequences, even for top players.
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