Fakhar Zaman handed two-match ban for ball tampering

Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches of PSL 2026 after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the tournament's Code of Conduct.

The charge relates to altering the condition of the ball during Lahore Qalandars' fixture against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 29. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars five runs and ordered a ball change ahead of the final over.

Fakhar denied the offence and contested the charge, leading to a full disciplinary hearing. Match referee Roshan Mahanama arrived at the decision after reviewing the evidence and Fakhar's submission.

A Level 3 offence carries a sanction ranging from a minimum one-match ban to a maximum of two, with Fakhar receiving the upper limit. He will miss Lahore Qalandars' upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9.

Under the PSL Code of Conduct, players have the right to appeal the decision to the tournament's Technical Committee within 48 hours.