PSL committee rejects Fakhar's appeal

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) technical committee has dismissed an appeal by Fakhar Zaman, upholding the two-match ban imposed on the Lahore Qalandars batter for ball tampering, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.
The 35-year-old had earlier been suspended for two PSL matches after being found guilty of breaching the league’s code of conduct during Lahore Qalandars’ narrow four-wicket defeat to Karachi Kings on Sunday. Fakhar subsequently challenged the decision, seeking relief from the sanction, but the appeal was rejected following review by the PSL’s technical committee.
“In accordance with the Code of Conduct, any decision made by the PSL technical committee shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties,” the PCB said in an official statement, leaving no room for further appeal.
Fakhar was charged under Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which relates to altering the condition of the ball to gain an unfair advantage. The incident occurred late in the match when the ball passed between Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar before the start of the final over.
On-field umpire Faisal Afridi grew suspicious and requested the ball from Haris Rauf. After a prolonged discussion with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials decided to replace the ball, deeming it to have been tampered with. In addition, Lahore Qalandars were penalised five runs.
The penalty proved decisive in a tense chase, as Karachi Kings edged to victory with three balls to spare, capitalising on the added runs in a closely contested finish.
As a result of the upheld ban, Fakhar will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on Friday and Islamabad United on April 9. His absence is expected to be a significant blow to the Qalandars’ batting lineup as they look to recover momentum in the tournament.