Fakhar Zaman Banned for Two Matches in PSL 2026 for Ball Tampering

March 31, 2026: Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has been handed a two-match ban for ball tampering during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season. His team, Lahore Qalandars, was also penalised five runs for altering the condition of the ball just before the final over of their match against Karachi Kings on Sunday night. Fakhar had initially denied the charges during the disciplinary hearing but has now been found guilty and will miss his team’s upcoming games against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9.

The incident happened just before the final over of the game, when Fakhar Zaman, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, briefly gathered at the top of the bowler’s run-up and each handled the ball in quick succession. Umpire Faisal Afridi noticed the exchange and carefully observed the players before calling for an inspection of the ball. Fakhar denied doing anything wrong during the hearing conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama, but after reviewing all the evidence, the referee ruled that Fakhar had tampered with the ball, which is a breach of Article 41.3 of the PSL code of conduct.

Fakhar Zaman has been banned for 2 PSL games due to Ball Tampering allegations.

He will miss Lahore's next 2 games against Multan and Islamabad.

He will be available for selection in their game against Peshawar Zalmi on 11th April. pic.twitter.com/5TxLuQl9Xu

— cricketPoint (@cricketpoint05) March 31, 2026

Details of the Disciplinary Hearing

The hearing also included the presence of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars captain, Sameen Rana, the team director, and Farooq Anwar, the team manager. Fakhar has the right to appeal the decision within 48 hours of the announcement. According to the PSL code of conduct, a level-III offence, like ball tampering, can result in a suspension of one or two matches for the first offence.

During the match, Karachi Kings needed 14 runs from the final over. Even after the wicket of Khushdil Shah by Haris Rauf, the new batter, Abbas Afridi, hit the first legal delivery for a boundary and then smashed the next ball for a six, completing a thrilling chase and giving Karachi a four-wicket win. The incident with Fakhar occurred in the intense moments just before the final over, making it highly visible to the umpires and match officials.

Fakhar Zaman’s ban is a significant development in the PSL 2026 season. His absence will be felt in the upcoming matches for Lahore Qalandars against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. This decision also highlights the strict enforcement of the PSL code of conduct regarding ball tampering, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules. The case shows that even experienced international players are subject to disciplinary action if found guilty of breaching the rules.