Fakhar Zaman (Image credit: PSL) Pakistan’s star batsman Fakhar Zaman was reportedly caught red-handed on live television for ball-tampering during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium. He appeared to be caught on camera, prompting the on-field umpires to intervene, speak to captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and eventually change the ball. Fakhar has also been criticized by former Pakistani cricketers.Despite the uproar, Fakhar denied the ball-tampering allegations. When he appeared before former Sri Lankan cricketer and match referee Roshan Mahanama, he denied the allegations.
Watch
Axar Patel questions Impact Player rule: ‘All-rounders lose value’ The 35-year-old opener was charged by Mahanam on Sunday with a Level 3 offense under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Support Staff.He was found to have breached Article 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions, which prohibits any activity that alters the condition of the ball.The charge relates to an incident just before the final end of Karachi Kings’ innings, when they needed 14 runs to win. Fakhar was seen having a discussion with Haris Rauf and captain Shaheen Afridi before the end.Shortly afterwards, umpire Faisal Afridi took the ball into his custody and inspected it. After consultation with the second on-field umpire, it was determined that the condition of the ball had been altered.The match referee is expected to hold a further hearing in the next 48 hours before issuing a verdict.The umpires penalized Lahore Qalandars five runs for changing the condition of the ball and subsequently replaced it. Thus, Karachi Kings needed nine runs in the final, which they successfully chased.All-rounder Abbas Afridi sealed the victory by hitting Rauf for a four and a six after the bowler sent a wide.If the match referee upholds the offence, Fakhar – and potentially the Lahore Qalandars as a team – could face serious punishment.
