PSL 2026 has been rocked by fresh controversy after Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman was accused of ball tampering during his team’s clash against Karachi Kings on Sunday, March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The incident came to light in the second innings, just before the final over of the Kings’ chase, when on-field umpires inspected the ball and deemed it to have been altered. Consequently, the fielding side was penalised five runs. The penalty reduced the target to nine runs off the final over instead of 14, shifting the momentum in favour of the Kings. Abbas Afridi then struck two consecutive boundaries to help Karachi secure victory.
Fakhar was charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 for allegedly breaching Article 41.3 of the playing conditions, which prohibits any action that alters the condition of the ball. However, the senior Pakistan cricketer has denied the charge.
“Fakhar denied the charge levelled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by match referee Roshan Mahanama,” the PSL said in a release. “Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours, after which the match referee will deliver his verdict.”
Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi voiced his disappointment with the decision, while acknowledging that he was not aware of the exact nature of the allegation at the time.
“I don’t know about this [ball-tampering], and we will discuss it. A five-run penalty… but we cannot say anything right now. We will see,” Shaheen said at the post-match presentation.
If found guilty, Fakhar could face financial sanctions as well as further disciplinary action.