PSL 2026: Lahore Qalandars penalised for ball tampering, Fakhar Zaman likely to be banned for one or two matches

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has been rocked by a ball-tampering row as Lahore Qalandars were imposed a five-run penalty for the offence in their four-wicket defeat to Karachi Kings at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 29.

The penalty had a telling impact on the game, as Kings needed 14 runs to win going into the final over, which was bowled by Haris Rauf for Qalandars. The five-run penalty eased that, bringing down the target to nine runs, which Karachi scored with three balls unused.

Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Afridi, Rauf and Fakhar Zaman were involved in an extended discussion at the bowlers’ run-up mark, with each player tossing the ball to each other. Umpire Faisal Afridi kept a keen watch on the ball and called for the inspection of the ball.

A lengthy inspection ensued, with Shaheen and square-leg umpire Sharfuddoula engaged in a long chat. The umpires eventually concluded that the Qalandars had deliberately altered the condition of the ball, awarding the Kings five penalty runs as a result. Additionally, the ball was changed.

This was carried out as per Clause 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which allows the umpires to "make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball". The playing conditions further state that "in addition, they shall immediately inspect the ball if they suspect anyone of attempting to change the condition of the ball".

Clause 41.3.5.1 provisions that the "batter at the wicket" could opt for the replacement ball from the "selection of six other balls of various degrees of usage" and clause 41.3.5.3 provisions five penalty runs to be awarded to the batting side if they seek for a replacement ball after it has become possible for umpires to identify the player or players responsible for changing its condition.

Asked about the episode at the post-match presentation, Shaheen stated that he was not sure why the penalty runs were awarded and that his team will review the footage to determine if the balls’ condition was altered.

“I don't know about this, and we'll see if it's there in the camera and discuss what it is. Actually, five runs taken and we can't do anything,” Shaheen said.

Qalandars’ all-rounder Sikandar Raza also opened up on the controversy at the post-match presentation.

“You have to ask the umpires why they changed the ball. When we asked them why they changed the ball, they told us to go away. When they were making the decision, the umpires requested us, even the captain, to go back to the fielding positions,” said Raza.

“I can only speak about myself. There was never any attempt on my part to change the condition of the ball, or even to try. All I remember is that when I was trying to dry the ball and make it shine, the umpires asked us not to dry it under the shirt. Who they are accusing, unless we don't see the proof, I think it's a big decision. I have not been called for an enquiry,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fakhar is in line for at least a one-match ban in relation to the offence, having been charged with a level-III offence, which has a minimum ban of one match and a maximum of two for a first violation in a PSL season. It is understood that match referee Roshan Mahanama will conduct further investigation in due course, and Fakhar could contest the charge.