LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches in the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 after he was found guilty of a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the PCB Code of Conduct.
The incident occurred during the high-profile clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 29. In the closing stages of the match, on-field umpires imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore and ordered a ball change before the final over of Karachi’s innings, citing Fakhar’s involvement in altering the condition of the ball.
The charge was levelled by match officials including Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (TV umpire), and Tariq Rasheed (fourth umpire). Fakhar denied the allegation and opted for a full disciplinary hearing.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the hearing, with Lahore representatives including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi present. After reviewing evidence and hearing Fakhar’s defence, the referee upheld the charge.
Article 2.14 specifically prohibits altering the condition of the ball through actions such as scratching, tampering with seams, or applying foreign substances. A Level 3 offence carries a minimum one-match ban and a maximum of two matches for a first-time violation. Fakhar has been handed the maximum penalty.
As a result, Fakhar will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi. The PCB emphasized its commitment to discipline and integrity, stating that any appeal must be filed with the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written decision.
This suspension comes amid heightened scrutiny of player conduct in PSL 11. The ball-tampering penalty imposed during the Karachi-Lahore rivalry match proved decisive, reducing Karachi’s target from 14 to 9 in the final over, which they chased successfully.
Fakhar’s suspension is one of the most high-profile cases in recent PSL history. PCB issues warning to players over central contract violationsThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strong warning to centrally contracted players, directing them to strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct and avoid violations of contract rules.
According to sources, players will no longer be allowed to make social media posts without prior approval from the PCB’s media department. Cricketers have been reminded to comply fully with central contract guidelines, while their managers have also been formally briefed on the regulations.
The PCB has made it clear that political content will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Officials further cautioned that strict disciplinary action could be taken against players who breach the policy. Sources added that fines for posting controversial material could begin at Rs10 million, underscoring the seriousness of the directive.
“This move reflects the PCB’s growing emphasis on maintaining professionalism and protecting the integrity of the game, particularly in the digital era where players’ online presence carries significant influence. The warning serves as a reminder that contracted cricketers are expected to uphold the Board’s standards both on and off the field,” stated a source.
