Lahore Qalandars faced a critical setback after being penalized for ball tampering during a nail-biting finish against Karachi Kings. The incident occurred late in the second innings, specifically at the end of the 19th over, when Karachi needed 14 runs from the last over to win.
As fast bowler Haris Rauf prepared to deliver the ball, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and teammate Fakhar Zaman gathered near the run-up, with all three players handling the ball. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi closely monitored the situation and promptly called for the ball to be inspected. After a detailed discussion with square-leg umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials determined that the ball’s condition had been intentionally altered.
Consequently, five penalty runs were awarded to Karachi Kings, and the ball was replaced. This decision significantly impacted the match, reducing Karachi’s target to just nine runs from the final over. Afridi showed visible frustration on the field but chose not to comment on the ruling during the post-match presentation, stating he would await further clarification from the umpires.
The penalty shifted momentum decisively in Karachi’s favor as they approached the last six deliveries. Despite losing Khushdil Shah on the first ball of the final over, Karachi quickly eased the pressure. A wide ball from Rauf added to Lahore’s difficulties, followed by Abbas Afridi hitting a boundary and then a six, sealing the victory with three balls to spare.
This win allowed Karachi Kings to maintain an unbeaten record with two wins from two matches, while Lahore Qalandars were left to contemplate the costly penalty that ultimately influenced their season’s results.
