Fakhar Zaman denies ball-tampering charge in PSL match

There is a looming threat of a two-match ban on Fakhar Zaman over allegations of ball tampering. The match referee has completed the hearing and informed the concerned parties of the decision, which is expected to be announced on Tuesday.

The Lahore Qalandars batter has once again denied accepting the charges.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Qalandars team has stood firmly in support of their player, and according to sources, legal action may be taken if a penalty is imposed. At Gaddafi Stadium,Lahore  Karachi Kings needed 14 runs in the final over to defeat Lahore Qalandars few days ago. According to a video of the incident, during a break between overs, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman were seen standing together. At that moment, Fakhar took the ball from Haris, did something to it, and then returned it to the bowler.

Immediately, the umpire took the ball from Haris and replaced it, while also awarding a 5-run penalty against Lahore Qalandars. As a result, Karachi Kings’ target in the final over was reduced from 14 to 9 runs, which they successfully chased in just three balls.

This action was taken under PSL Playing Conditions Clause 41.3, which gives umpires the authority to frequently and closely inspect the ball if they suspect any attempt to alter its condition. Under Clause 41.3.5.1, the batter at the crease has the right to choose a replacement ball from a selection of six balls with varying degrees of wear.

According to Clause 41.3.5.3, if umpires can identify the player(s) responsible for altering the ball’s condition and the batting side requests a replacement, a 5-run penalty is awarded to the batting team.

Earlier, on Sunday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board stated in a press release that Fakhar Zaman had violated PSL Playing Conditions Article 41.3. He has been charged under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which constitutes a Level 3 offense involving any action that alters the condition of the ball. Fakhar Zaman had also denied the allegations during the initial hearing before match referee Roshan Mahanama.