'Fakhar Zaman to gaya': Pakistan's PSL hit by ball tampering controversy, Shaheen Afridi may also face action

Pakistan Super League (PSL) has landed in fresh controversy after umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars for alleged ball-tampering during a tense final over against Karachi Kings. The decision, taken after an on-field inspection, changed the course of the match and helped Karachi chase down the revised target to seal a four-wicket win.

What happened in the final PSL over

The incident unfolded when Lahore pacer Haris Rauf was about to bowl the last over, with Karachi needing 14 runs to win. Captain Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman joined Rauf mid-pitch for a quick discussion.

Moments later, television cameras appeared to show Fakhar handling the ball in a suspicious manner. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi stepped in, took the ball, and examined it closely before consulting fellow umpire Sharfuddoula.


After a brief but intense discussion, the umpires concluded that the ball had been altered. They awarded Karachi Kings five penalty runs and replaced the ball, reducing the target to nine runs from six deliveries.

Match swings after penalty

The revised equation tilted the match. Karachi’s Khushdil Shah fell on the first ball, but Haris Rauf then bowled a wide, adding to the pressure.

Abbas Afridi capitalised immediately, smashing a four and a six to take Karachi home in 19.3 overs, completing a dramatic turnaround.

PCB confirms charge, hearing underway

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been formally charged.

“Fakhar denied the charge leveled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement. “Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours after which the match referee will share his verdict.”

The opener has been charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct, along with a breach of playing conditions that prohibit altering the ball.

If found guilty, the minimum punishment could be a one-match ban.

Fakhar denies wrongdoing

Despite the visuals and the umpire’s decision, Fakhar has denied any involvement in ball-tampering during his initial hearing.

The charge relates to the moment just before the final over, when he was seen in discussion with Rauf and Shaheen Afridi. Soon after, the umpires intervened and ruled that the ball’s condition had been changed.

A final verdict is expected after the next hearing.

Former players weigh in

The controversy has sparked sharp reactions from former cricketers.

"Gaya Fakhar Zaman. Fakhar Zaman to gya [It's over for Fakhar Zaman]. Since the evidence has come out, I'm sure that he'll be fined a huge amount," Basit said on a live TV show.

“Punishment toh milegi, mujhe lagta hai milegi. Fakhar pe bhi aur kaptaan (Shaheen) pe bhi. Zimmedari toh banti hai. Lekin captain toh hai na, captain par bhi responsibility hoti hai. [There will be punishment, I feel there will be. For Fakhar as well, and for Haris Rauf and the captain (Shaheen) too. Responsibility does come with it. After all, he is the captain, and the captain also has responsibility],” Kamran said.