Fakhar Zaman files appeal against two-match ban over ball-tampering charge

LAHORE: Opening batter Fakhar Zaman has filed an appeal against his two-match suspension after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Code of Conduct, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the suspension on Monday, following an incident during Lahore Qalandars’ clash with Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the final stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore by five runs and ordered a change of ball ahead of the last over of Karachi Kings’ innings.

Umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with television umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, filed the charge against the defending champions’ opening batter.

The 35-year-old denied the accusation and requested a full disciplinary hearing under the PSL Code of Conduct. 

The hearing was overseen by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama, who reviewed all available evidence and granted Zaman a personal hearing.

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the proceedings.

He was charged under Article 2.14 of the Code, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.” 

A first Level 3 offence carries a minimum penalty of a one-match suspension and a maximum of two matches.

Sources confirmed that Zaman has now submitted an appeal against the suspension to the PSL Technical Committee.

The Lahore Qalandars are next scheduled to face Multan Sultans on Friday, 3 April, at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a fixture against Islamabad United on Thursday, 9 April, at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.