Deja vu? Fakhar Zaman's PSL charge echoes Dallas incident

Fakhar Zaman is facing a potential suspension after being charged with altering the condition of the ball during Lahore Qalandars' defeat to Karachi Kings in PSL 2026. The charge, a Level III offence, carries a minimum one-match ban, with a hearing set before match referee Roshan Mahanama.

The incident occurred at the start of the final over of Karachi's chase. On-field umpire Faisal Afridi called for the ball after it passed between Haris Rauf and Fakhar. Following discussion, officials deemed the ball tampered with, replaced it, and awarded Karachi five penalty runs. Fakhar is expected to contest the charge.

This has brought renewed scrutiny to a similar sequence from nearly two years prior.

During the USA vs Pakistan T20 World Cup fixture in Dallas in 2024, USA's Monank Patel hit a six off Shaheen Afridi. As the ball was returned to Fakhar at mid-on, USA players noticed him gathering it and tucking it under his jersey.

Fakhar held the ball under his shirt with both hands for a sustained period, with visible finger movements that observers felt did not resemble conventional ball-shining.

Players noted the distinction: polishing typically involves one hand. The use of both hands under the jersey was seen as inconsistent with routine shining and suggestive of an attempt to scuff the ball.

Following the over, USA were in a commanding position. In subsequent overs, the ball began to reverse appreciably, making stroke play difficult. The match was tied, with USA winning in a super over.

According to USA players, several approached fourth umpire Rod Tucker immediately to register concerns. Captain Monank Patel is understood to have documented the matter in his post-match report, with a verbal complaint also made to match referee Jeff Crowe. No formal charge was brought at the time, and the complaint was not made public.

In isolation, the Dallas episode remains an unproven suspicion. However, the latest PSL charge, involving similar visual patterns with the same player, inevitably raises questions. In both instances, the alleged actions occurred when the fielding side was under pressure.

Fakhar has not been found guilty in either case. Due process will follow in the PSL hearing. Whether this evolves into a larger talking point will depend on the hearing's outcome.