The ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 had been hit with a massive controversy following Karachi Kings’ 4-wicket win over defending champions Lahore Qalandars on March 29. The defending champions’ opening batter, Fakhar Zaman, has been charged with Level 3 offence for altering the condition of the ball during the game, played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“Lahore Qalandars’ Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a Level 3 Offence under Article 2.14 od the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, for violating Article 41.3 of the HBL PSL 11 playing conditions which makes it an offence to take any action which changes the condition of the ball,” PCB said in its statement. Moreover, the charges are likely to possess one-match ban for the Pakistan batter.
Elaborating on the incident, it took place in the second innings of the game on Sunday evening. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman reportedly gathered at around the bowler’s run-up and handled the ball in quick succession. However, there was a brief halt where Afridi was seen arguing with the on-field umpire, followed by being penalised with five runs. While the Pakistan batter has denied the claims, the second hearing is scheduled to take place in next 48 hours.
Hasan Ali fined 10% of his match fee
Apart from Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, the Karachi Kings pacer has also been handed a fine of 10% of his match fee for Level 1 breach of Article 2.5. Notably, the Article 2.5 pertains to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during a match.” The Pakistan pacer has accepted the charges levelled against him.
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