Lahore Qalandars’ leading player and opener, Fakhar Zaman, is in deep trouble following a ball-tampering incident in the recent PSL 11 match against Karachi Kings.
Fakhar Zaman is in trouble, says former cricketer Basit Ali, on a sports broadcast on a private media channel.
Basit Ali said, “It’s over for Fakhar Zaman. Since the evidence has come out, I’m sure that he’ll be fined a huge amount.”
Kamran Akmal also commented on the incident and added, “Not only Fakhar Zaman, captain Shaheen and Haris Rauf are also responsible for this ball tampering. They can face a ban as well.”
Basit Ali said, "It's over for Fakhar Zaman. Since the evidence has come out, I'm sure that he'll be fined a huge amount."
— Abdullah. (@Abdullahh_56) March 29, 2026
Kamran Akmal said, "Not only Fakhar Zaman, captain Shaheen and Haris Rauf are also responsible for this Ball Tampering. They can face a Ban as well." pic.twitter.com/TYWAEEdj97
Fakhar Zaman denies wrongdoing
Fakhar Zaman, 35, who has played 215 matches for Pakistan, denied the allegation in a hearing conducted immediately after the match.
The hearing has been scheduled for Monday for further review.
Penalty to Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars were penalised for ball tampering during their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match against Karachi Kings.
Just before the final over, Karachi, needing 14 runs to win, were awarded five penalty runs after umpires ruled that Pakistan international Fakhar Zaman had “unfairly changed the condition of the ball.”
The decision reduced Karachi’s target to nine runs from six balls.
They went on to complete victory with three balls to spare.
Rules on ball tampering
Under cricket’s laws, players are not permitted to alter the condition of the ball, except when shining it naturally. Law 41.3.2 states: “It is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball.”
PSL regulations require umpires to report any suspected offences to the match referee, who may then take appropriate action against the players involved.
Steps to be taken
David Warner, who was captain of Karachi Kings during the match, previously faced a 12-month ban from Cricket Australia for his involvement in the 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal.
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi, also a Pakistan international, said after the match: “I don’t know about this. We will see if it is on the camera. We will discuss.”
The PSL and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been approached for comment.
The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Fakhar Zaman faces fines, suspension, or other disciplinary action under PSL rules.
The incident highlights the strict enforcement of ball-tampering regulations in domestic and international cricket.
Also read: PDMA releases damage report in KP due to recent rains
