On 31 March 2026, Lahore Qalandars’ batsman Fakhar Zaman received a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League 11 (PSL 11) after being found guilty of a Level 3 violation under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The breach occurred during the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on 29 March at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The incident took place in the final moments of the game when the on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars with five runs and replaced the ball before the last over of Karachi Kings’ innings. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, TV umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.
Fakhar Zaman denied the allegations and contested the charge during a full disciplinary hearing conducted by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama. After reviewing all evidence and allowing Fakhar a personal hearing, the referee confirmed the suspension. Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the proceedings.
Looking ahead, Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to play against Multan Sultans on 3 April at Gaddafi Stadium and then face Islamabad United on 9 April at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Article 2.14 addresses the illegal alteration of the ball’s condition, specifically prohibiting actions such as deliberately roughening the ball by throwing it on the ground, applying artificial substances, interfering with the ball’s seams, or scratching its surface with nails or implements. A first-time Level 3 offence carries a minimum penalty of a one-match ban and a maximum of two matches. Appeals against this decision must be submitted to the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written ruling from the Match Referee.
