LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman of Lahore Qalandars has been suspended for two matches over a ball-tampering offence during a Pakistan Super League match against Karachi Kings, the Pakistan Cricket Board said.
According to the PCB, the left-handed opener was found guilty of a Level 3 breach of Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct during Sunday’s match at Gaddafi Stadium.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the game when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars five runs and ordered a ball change before the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings.
The board said the development followed a brief discussion between Fakhar, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf, during which the ball was passed between players before being examined by the umpire.
Following the penalty, Abbas Afridi hit a four and a six to secure a four-wicket win for Karachi Kings with three balls to spare.
On-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, levelled the charge against Fakhar.
The batter denied the allegation and contested the charge at a full disciplinary hearing conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who upheld the decision after reviewing evidence and hearing the player.
Under Article 2.14, actions such as applying artificial substances, scratching the surface, interfering with the seam or deliberately roughening the ball are prohibited.
Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi, fixtures Fakhar will now miss following the suspension.