Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman (AP/PTI)

Fakhar Zaman has landed in controversy after being handed a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League for allegedly altering the condition of the ball. The punishment was confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which stated that the veteran batter was found guilty of a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct during Lahore Qalandars’ clash against Karachi Kings on Sunday. The incident in question took place moments before the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings. On-field umpires decided to penalise Lahore Qalandars five runs and replaced the ball, indicating suspected tampering. The charge was brought forward by on-field officials Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar, however, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. According to a report in Geo News, quoting sources, “Fakhar Zaman has challenged his two-match suspension over ball-tampering charges during his side’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings.” He formally contested the allegation during a full disciplinary hearing conducted as per the Code of Conduct. Match referee Roshan Mahanama oversaw the proceedings and reached the final decision after examining all available evidence and giving Fakhar an opportunity to present his case in person. The hearing was also attended by Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar. The episode adds to a turbulent phase around the franchise. Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Multan Sultans on April 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash against Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi. Off the field, disciplinary issues have continued to surface. The franchise management has fined captain Shaheen Shah Afridi one million rupees for violating the PSL’s security protocol at the team hotel in Lahore. In a separate development, the PCB’s disciplinary committee also imposed a hefty 20 million rupee fine on fast bowler Naseem Shah over a controversial tweet that breached the conditions of his central contract. With multiple incidents unfolding in quick succession, Lahore Qalandars now find themselves dealing with both on-field and off-field challenges early in the PSL season.