The Lahore Qalandars are in hot water over ball tampering allegations during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match with the Karachi Kings. The drama kicked off when suspicions focussed on Fakhar Zaman and everyone started wondering if he messed with the ball. PCB jumped in and brought Fakhar before the match referee, Roshan Mahanama, where Fakhar firmly denied everything. Now, there’s another hearing coming up in the next couple of days, and after that, all will finally know what happens. If he’s found guilty, Fakhar faces at least a one-match ban.
The whole mess unfolded right when things were tense. Karachi needed 14 runs in the last over, with Haris Rauf bowling. At the same time, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar and Rauf were seen talking. It was seen at that moment they tampered with the ball. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi noticed something off and checked the ball, then spent a good while discussing it with umpire Sharfuddoula. In the end, the umpires decided the ball had been tampered with. Karachi got five penalty runs, and the ball got replaced.
“Lahore Qalandars’ Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a Level 3 Offence under Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, for violating Article 41.3 of the HBL PSL 11 playing conditions, which makes it an offence to take any action which changes the condition of the ball,” In an official statement, the PCB said.
Now the question arises, was the ball tampered with and did the umpires get it right? Former players and experts say it’s tough to pin the blame on anyone just based on the talks during the match. The Qalandars management is upset, saying so many players handled the ball that it’s almost impossible to know who messed with it and when. All eyes are now on the PCB’s next hearing. One can expect a deep dive, with high-definition video and the Match Referee’s report, to finally settle whether the ball was tampered with or not.
For more news & updates, follow The Crichub on X and YouTube
