Published on: Apr 1, 2026 5:04 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 1, 2026 5:04 pm IST
The Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) has been rocked by controversies, and we are only into the first week of the tournament. The opening game between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen saw the white ball changing its color and turning pink, and now the Qalandars are involved again in a false matter, i.e., ball tampering.
Lahore Qalandars’ senior batter Fakhar Zaman was charged with ball‑tampering during the high‑voltage clash against Karachi Kings on Sunday, March 29. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave the confirmation that Zaman has been booked under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct, a Level 3 offense, which carries a minimum one‑match ban, which could extend to two matches depending on the hearing outcome of the disciplinary team.
The incident took place in the 19th over of the second innings when Karachi Kings were batting in pursuit of a target of 128 runs. Umpire Faisal Afridi noticed irregularities with the ball after Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman handled it in quick succession. After consultation with square‑leg umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials ruled that the Qalandars had deliberately altered the ball’s condition. Karachi Kings were immediately awarded five penalty runs, and the ball was replaced.
Those 5 runs’ penalty proved decisive for Karachi as they were reduced to chasing 9 runs instead of 14 in the final over bowled by Haris Rauf. Despite taking a wicket of set batter Khushdil Shah in the first ball of the final over, Rauf conceded a four and a six in the following two deliveries from Abbas Afridi, who ensured his team crossed the finishing line.
Fakhar Zaman has denied the charge, and a disciplinary hearing led by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama will be held within 48 hours. If found guilty, Fakhar will miss at least one match, a blow to Lahore Qalandars’ batting strength. The PCB’s firm stance highlights its commitment to maintaining integrity and fair play in the league.
Adding to the drama, Karachi Kings’ fast bowler Hasan Ali was fined 10% of his match fee for a Level 1 breach. He was found guilty of using language or gestures that could provoke a batter upon dismissal. Unlike Fakhar, Hasan accepted the charge without contest.
It’s still early days in the tournament, as the reigning champions, Lahore Qalandars, have played only two games and have a win and a loss to their name. They currently stand third on the points table behind Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi. Their next three games are slated to take place on April 3, 9, and 11 against the Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, and Peshawar Zalmi, respectively.
The Fakhar Zaman ball‑tampering case has injected controversy into PSL 2026, with Fakhar set for a one-match ban. While the Qalandars face scrutiny for their conduct, the PCB’s decisive action reinforces its commitment to upholding the spirit of cricket.