The Pakistan Super League has been rocked by a controversy after Fakhar Zaman was formally accused of ball-tampering during a high-stakes clash.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the alleged incident took place in Sunday’s fixture between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, adding a dramatic twist to an already tense encounter.
The moment in question unfolded in the final over of Karachi’s chase, with 14 runs still required. Fakhar, alongside Lahore skipper Shaheen Afridi and pacer Haris Rauf, was seen in a brief on-field exchange where the ball changed hands between players. This interaction drew the attention of the on-field umpire, who subsequently requested the ball for inspection.
After consulting with the square-leg official, the umpires decided to impose a five-run penalty on Lahore and ordered a replacement ball. The decision proved decisive. Karachi capitalized on the advantage, successfully chasing down the modest target of 129 with three deliveries remaining. Abbas Afridi sealed the outcome in style, striking a boundary followed by a six to secure a four-wicket win.
Fakhar has denied any wrongdoing. The PCB confirmed that he contested the allegation during a hearing conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama. A follow-up hearing is scheduled within 48 hours, after which a final ruling will be issued.
Speaking after the match, Shaheen Afridi remained cautious, indicating that the team would rely on video evidence before forming a conclusion.
If found guilty, Fakhar could face disciplinary action, including a suspension of one or two matches under PSL regulations for a first-time offence.
Ball-tampering remains one of cricket’s most sensitive issues, with past incidents drawing severe consequences. The most notable case came during the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, when David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft were handed lengthy bans by Cricket Australia.
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