PSL crackdown! Fakhar Zaman’s appeal dismissed, ban confirmed | Cricket News – The Times of India
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PSL crackdown! Fakhar Zaman’s appeal dismissed, ban confirmed | Cricket News – The Times of India


PSL crackdown! Fakhar Zaman’s appeal dismissed, ban confirmed | Cricket News – The Times of India
Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman (AP/PTI)

Fakhar Zaman has failed in his attempt to overturn a suspension, with the Pakistan Super League’s appellate body upholding a two-match ban for ball tampering during a recent fixture. The Lahore Qalandars opener had challenged the punishment imposed by match referee Roshan Mahanama, but a three-member committee dismissed the appeal after reviewing the evidence in detail. “Fakhar Zaman appealed the decision of the Match Referee to suspend him for two PSL matches for breaching Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings match on Sunday, 29 March at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore,” a PCB release stated. The appeal was heard by a technical committee comprising Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Syed Ali Naqi, who conducted a fresh review of the case before reaching their verdict. “The appeal was heard today by the PSL Technical Committee… Pursuant to conducting a de novo inquiry, reviewing all evidence, and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the Committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban imposed by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama,” the release added. The charge relates to Article 2.14, which deals with “Changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions”. As per regulations, a Level 3 offence carries a minimum penalty of a one-match ban and a maximum of two matches. The incident took place in the closing stages of the match against Karachi Kings, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was also replaced before the final over. The complaint was raised by umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied the allegations and opted for a formal hearing, where he presented his case in the presence of team officials, including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar. However, with the committee’s decision now final and binding, Fakhar will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.


Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman banned for ball-tampering in PSL | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman banned for ball-tampering in PSL | Cricket News – The Times of India


Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman banned for ball-tampering in PSL | Cricket News – The Times of India

Pakistan’s opening stalwart Fakhar Zaman was handed a two-match ban on Tuesday after he was found guilty in the PSL ‘ball-tampering’ controversy that has rocked Pakistan cricket.“Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two HBL PSL matches after he was found guilty of a Level 3 offence for breaching Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings match on Sunday,” PSL said in a media release.“Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all evidence,” the statement added.The match, which the Kings sealed with three balls to spare, turned on a major flashpoint at the end of the 19th over of the second innings, with Karachi requiring 14 runs from the last over as Haris Rauf prepared to bowl for the Qalandars.Zaman was seen in discussion with Haris Rauf and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi before the over. Shortly thereafter, umpire Faisal Afridi requested the ball. After a lengthy look and a detailed discussion between Afridi and square-leg umpire Sharfuddoula, the umpires ultimately appeared to decide Qalandars had deliberately altered the condition of the ball, and awarded five penalty runs to Kings. In addition, the ball was immediately changed.The umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars five runs for altering the condition of the ball and subsequently replaced it. This left Karachi Kings needing nine runs in the final over, which they successfully chased down.All-rounder Abbas Afridi sealed the victory by hitting Rauf for a four and a six after the bowler had delivered a wide.


‘Umpires ne bola side ho jaayein’: First-hand account of PSL ball-tampering controversy | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘Umpires ne bola side ho jaayein’: First-hand account of PSL ball-tampering controversy | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘Umpires ne bola side ho jaayein’: First-hand account of PSL ball-tampering controversy | Cricket News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket has been rocked by a ball-tampering scandal in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The major controversy erupted during the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, putting captain Shaheen Afridi, opener Fakhar Zaman and fast bowler Haris Rauf under the scanner.The incident occurred in the final over of the match, with Karachi Kings needing 14 runs off six balls.Haris Rauf was set to bowl the last over, and just before it began, Afridi and Fakhar joined him for a brief discussion to chalk out a plan.What raised eyebrows was Fakhar appearing to be caught on camera altering the ball.On-field umpire Faisal Afridi then called for the ball, inspected it, and held a lengthy discussion with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula of Bangladesh.After deliberation, the umpires concluded that the ball had been deliberately altered and awarded five penalty runs to Karachi Kings, reducing the target to nine runs off six balls. The ball was also changed.Lahore Qalandars eventually lost the match by four wickets.‘UMPIRES NE BOLA SIDE MEIN HO JAAYEIN’After the game, Lahore Qalandars sent their overseas player Sikandar Raza to address the media in the post-match press conference, where questions around the controversy were inevitable.“Umpires ne hume bola tha ki aap side mein ho jaayein because they were talking with the third umpire. Exact reason toh unhi ke paas hoga. Agar aapko clear answer chahiye, you’ll have to ask the umpires jinke paas walkie-talkie thi ya phir third umpire se pooch sakte hain. Unhone bas itna hi kaha tha ki aap side mein ho jaayein. Humse sirf itni request ki gayi thi ki aap log apni field positions par khade rahein, aur captain ko bhi yahi bola gaya tha,” Raza said.“I can only speak for myself — meri taraf se kabhi bhi ball ki condition change karne ka koi intention nahi tha, not even to try. I remember I was trying to shine the ball ya thoda dry karne ki koshish kar raha tha, especially boundary ropes ke paas jahan thodi dew thi. Main long-on pe tha aur wahan thodi si dew thi, toh bas yeh kaha gaya tha ki ball ko shirt ke andar dry karne ki koshish na karein. So we started doing it with the sleeves,” he said.“Ab jo clips chal rahe hain aur jo allegations lag rahe hain, jab tak proper proof nahi aata, I think it’s a big decision to say something like this. Main abhi changing room mein gaya hoon, aur main yeh guarantee de sakta hoon ki mujhe kisi enquiry ke liye nahi bulaya gaya hai,” Raza added.FAKHAR DENIES BALL-TAMPERING CHARGESStar opener Fakhar Zaman was charged on Sunday by match referee Roshan Mahanama with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. He was found to have violated Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which prohibits any action that alters the condition of the ball.Appearing before the former Sri Lankan cricketer, Zaman denied the charges against him.The match referee is expected to hold another hearing within the next 48 hours before delivering a verdict.If the offence is confirmed, Zaman — and potentially the Lahore Qalandars as a team — could face serious penalties.


PSL hotel security breach! 4 ‘guests’ till 1:25 am; player says ‘Afridi ne koi manmani … ‘ | Cricket News – The Times of India
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PSL hotel security breach! 4 ‘guests’ till 1:25 am; player says ‘Afridi ne koi manmani … ‘ | Cricket News – The Times of India


PSL hotel security breach! 4 ‘guests’ till 1:25 am; player says ‘Afridi ne koi manmani … ‘ | Cricket News – The Times of India

Pakistan cricket is already grappling with an embarrassing ball-tampering controversy involving Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match. Now, another issue has added to their troubles. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi and overseas player Sikandar Raza have been accused of breaching team security protocols at their hotel.What exactly happened?Despite prior warnings and refusals, Shaheen and Sikandar were reportedly found hosting four guests in Raza’s room on the eighth floor until 1:25 a.m., according to police officials.

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The team owner also approached PSL CEO Salman Naseer with the same request, which was again rejected on security grounds.Muhammad Faisal, DIG (Operations, Lahore), reportedly notified the PSL CEO about the serious breach of security measures.Two requests were made by the Lahore Qalandars’ liaison officer seeking permission to allow guests into Raza’s room – first at around 10:35 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday – but both were denied. Despite this, Shaheen and Raza were seen hosting the guests in the Zimbabwe cricketer’s room, where they stayed until 1:25 a.m.According to reports, at around 11:05 p.m., PCB and security personnel noted that Shaheen and Raza went ahead and escorted the four guests into the room despite resistance from on-site security staff. The guests remained there until 1:25 a.m.A senior police official has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that this incident constitutes a violation of the board’s security protocols and code of conduct, which are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of players, officials and associated personnel.What is Raza saying?Raza addressed the issue during the post-match press conference and denied the allegations.“Shaheen ne koi manmani nahi kari. Meri hi request thi, Maine kaha tha meri family and friends aaye hai. Pehle 4 saalo me aisa kuch bhi nahi tha. Mujhe mere family aur relatives ko milne ki ijazat thi. Ab agar ye SOPs the toh iska na mujhe aur to some extent Shaheen bhi aware nahi tha [He did not force anyone. In fact it was my request as it was my family and frieends. In previous four years, there was never a restriction on meeting my family and relatives. If the SOPs have changes, neither me not to an extent was Shaheen aware of the same,” Raza said in a press conference.


Hauled up for ball-tampering in PSL, Fakhar Zaman denies charges | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Hauled up for ball-tampering in PSL, Fakhar Zaman denies charges | Cricket News – The Times of India


Hauled up for ball-tampering in PSL, Fakhar Zaman denies charges | Cricket News – The Times of India
Fakhar Zaman (Image credit: PSL)

Pakistan star batter Fakhar Zaman was allegedly caught red-handed on live television for tampering with the ball 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 on-field umpires to intervene, speak to captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, and eventually change the ball. Fakhar was also criticised by former Pakistan cricketers.Despite the uproar, Fakhar has denied the ball-tampering charges. Appearing before former Sri Lankan cricketer and match referee Roshan Mahanama, he rejected the allegations.The 35-year-old opener was charged on Sunday by Mahanama with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.He was found to have violated Article 41.3 of the PSL playing conditions, which prohibits any action that alters the condition of the ball.The charge relates to an incident just before the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings, when they needed 14 runs to win. Fakhar was seen in discussion with Haris Rauf and captain Shaheen Afridi before the over.Shortly thereafter, umpire Faisal Afridi took the ball into his custody and inspected it. After consulting with the other on-field umpire, it was determined that the ball’s condition had been altered.The match referee is expected to hold another hearing within the next 48 hours before delivering a verdict.The umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars five runs for altering the condition of the ball and subsequently replaced it. This left Karachi Kings needing nine runs in the final over, which they successfully chased down.All-rounder Abbas Afridi sealed the victory by hitting Rauf for a four and a six after the bowler had delivered a wide.If the match referee confirms the offence, Fakhar — and potentially the Lahore Qalandars as a team — could face serious penalties.


PCB under fire after report claims Babar, Fakhar played World Cup injured | Cricket News – The Times of India
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PCB under fire after report claims Babar, Fakhar played World Cup injured | Cricket News – The Times of India


PCB under fire after report claims Babar, Fakhar played World Cup injured | Cricket News – The Times of India
Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

Pakistan cricket team has been hit by a fresh controversy after questions were raised over the fitness of senior players Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the T20 World Cup selection process.According to a PTI report, the issue came to light following post-tournament medical evaluations conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel. Concerns were flagged by Dr Javed Mughal, a UK-based specialist in sports physiotherapy and medicine, who joined the board earlier this year as director of sports exercise and medicine.

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The matter had already been alluded to by chief selector Aaqib Javed while announcing the ODI squad for the Bangladesh series, where both Babar and Fakhar were left out. He had confirmed that the board would review the circumstances surrounding their fitness clearance.The situation intensified when it emerged that both players were dealing with injury concerns even after the World Cup. Babar later withdrew from the National T20 Championship due to a hamstring problem, while Fakhar was also managing a similar issue.“When Babar was examined, his injury turned out to be more serious than initially diagnosed, while Fakhar has been struggling with the same problem for months now,” a source said.The report also stated that the national selectors were informed by the team management that both players had been cleared to play by team physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon. However, Deacon has previously faced criticism over allegedly approving players despite minor injuries, reportedly due to his close association with members of the squad.At present, Babar is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy under the PCB medical panel and is expected to regain fitness in time for the Pakistan Super League, where he is set to lead Peshawar Zalmi. The tournament is scheduled to begin on March 26.Fakhar, meanwhile, has already returned to action in the National T20 Cup and indicated on social media that although he was not fully fit during the Bangladesh ODI series, he is now in a position to take part in the ongoing competition.

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Babar Azam, four others dropped from Pakistan’s squad for ODIs against Bangladesh | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Babar Azam, four others dropped from Pakistan’s squad for ODIs against Bangladesh | Cricket News – The Times of India


Babar Azam, four others dropped from Pakistan’s squad for ODIs against Bangladesh | Cricket News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Babar Azam has been dropped from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, as the selectors begin reshaping the team with an eye on next year’s 50-over World Cup. The decision follows Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka, where they failed to reach the semi-finals.

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Babar endured a lean run in the T20 tournament, managing only 91 runs. Despite that dip in form, his ODI numbers remain impressive — 6,501 runs and 20 centuries in 140 matches — making his omission a significant call. Alongside him, opener Saim Ayub, all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, and fast bowler Naseem Shah have also been left out of the 15-member squad.In a clear sign of transition, Pakistan have drafted in six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. The three ODIs will be played in Dhaka on March 11, 13 and 15, giving the newcomers a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup.Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the side, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed, as the team enters what appears to be a rebuilding phase.With the next ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October next year, Pakistan seem focused on refreshing their squad and testing new combinations in the lead-up to the global event.


‘Completely clueless management’: Shoaib Akhtar blasts Pakistan, fires warning to Mohsin Naqvi | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘Completely clueless management’: Shoaib Akhtar blasts Pakistan, fires warning to Mohsin Naqvi | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘Completely clueless management’: Shoaib Akhtar blasts Pakistan, fires warning to Mohsin Naqvi | Cricket News – The Times of India
Shoaib Akhtar and Mohsin Naqvi (Agency Image)

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has indirectly questioned the leadership at the Pakistan Cricket Board after Pakistan crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2026 despite signing off their Super 8 campaign with a win over Sri Lanka.Pakistan’s victory in their final Group 2 fixture was not enough to overhaul New Zealand’s superior net run rate, which meant another semifinal miss at a global event. It marked Pakistan’s fourth straight failure at ICC tournaments, following early exits at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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Speaking on Tapmad, Akhtar did not mince words while criticising the team’s think tank. He labelled the management “clueless” and suggested that flawed selection calls over the past fortnight had cost Pakistan dearly.“Pakistan’s management looks completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked over the last 15 days was wrong. There was one clear error — Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay. Saim could have contributed with the ball as well,” Akhtar said.He pointed out that Pakistan’s strong showing against Sri Lanka highlighted what had been missing earlier in the tournament.“This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar Zaman is a natural opener, yet he wasn’t played earlier. Today, Farhan, Fakhar and Abrar all delivered. That tells you everything.”Akhtar then shifted the spotlight towards PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting that while the chief may have good intentions, the structure around him is failing the team.“I have nothing against Mohsin Naqvi. From what I hear, he is a good person. He is one of the most powerful chairmen in Pakistan’s cricket history. He has influence, resources and authority. But if he cannot build a strong management structure, and the team has failed to qualify in four consecutive tournaments, then something is seriously wrong within the board.“I understand that he may not be a cricket expert and genuinely wants the team to do well. But is he seeking the right advice? It doesn’t appear so. This is a request to Naqvi: the people advising you are making you look bad. The selection committee is not doing you justice.“He may want success for Pakistan cricket, but the system around him is not helping. The real question is — who are these people? At this stage, Naqvi remains Pakistan cricket’s last hope, but he needs the right support structure to turn things around.”


Sanath Jayasuriya decides to step down after T20 World Cup disappointment | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Sanath Jayasuriya decides to step down after T20 World Cup disappointment | Cricket News – The Times of India


Sanath Jayasuriya decides to step down after T20 World Cup disappointment | Cricket News – The Times of India
Sri Lanka, who were co-hosts of the tournament, had already been eliminated from semifinal contention and were unable to close their campaign with a victory. (Image credit: Sri Lanka Cricket)

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has chosen to step aside from his position following the team’s narrow five-run defeat to Pakistan in their final Super Eights fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.The announcement came shortly after the loss, with the former attacking left-hander admitting he had hoped to sign off from the World Cup on a “good note” but fell short of that expectation.

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Sri Lanka, who were co-hosts of the tournament, had already been eliminated from semifinal contention and were unable to close their campaign with a victory.Jayasuriya revealed that the decision had been on his mind for some time and that he had indicated during the England series earlier this year that he did not intend to continue long-term.“I thought I should give that title to someone else. That’s why I mentioned two months ago during the England series that I have no plans staying here. So, I said that after taking that decision. I thought from the World Cup, I would be able to leave here as the coach in a good note. I couldn’t do that as much as I thought. I feel sorry about that,” the former Sri Lankan cricketer said as quoted by the ICC website.He further clarified that formal discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket are yet to take place.“My contract ends in June. I have not given my official decision or anything to Sri Lanka Cricket. I have to go and discuss with them. Have to talk about what do I have to do,” he added.In the match against Pakistan, half-centuries from captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake were not enough to chase down a formidable 212 for 8, which was built on a 176-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84).Despite the win, Pakistan also failed to progress to the semifinals, missing out on net run rate to New Zealand national cricket team.


Highest partnership in T20 World Cup: Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman run riot; break these batting records at Pallekele | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Highest partnership in T20 World Cup: Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman run riot; break these batting records at Pallekele | Cricket News – The Times of India


Highest partnership in T20 World Cup: Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman run riot; break these batting records at Pallekele | Cricket News – The Times of India

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan put Pakistan in control with a record opening stand against Sri Lanka in a must-win Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup at Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday.Batting first, Pakistan built a 176-run partnership for the opening wicket, their highest stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. It is also the third-highest partnership for Pakistan in all T20Is.Sri Lanka did not help their cause in the field. Dunith Wellalage dropped Farhan when he was on 75. Kamindu Mendis Liyanage appeared to have caught him on 76 but stepped on the boundary cushion.The breakthrough came through Dushmantha Chameera. He bowled wide outside off to Fakhar, who had been moving across the crease through the innings. This time, Fakhar got an inside edge that deflected onto the stumps.The opening stand of 176 is now a T20 World Cup record, going past the unbroken 175-run stand between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert against UAE earlier in the tournament.Highest partnerships in T20 World Cup (any wicket)176 – Sahibzada Farhan & Fakhar Zaman (PAK) vs SL, Pallekele, 2026*175* – Tim Seifert & Finn Allen (NZ) vs UAE, Chennai, 2026170* – Jos Buttler & Alex Hales (ENG) vs IND, Adelaide, 2022168 – Quinton de Kock & Rilee Rossouw (SA) vs BAN, Sydney, 2022166 – Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara (SL) vs WI, Barbados, 2010154 – Ibrahim Zadran & Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) vs UGA, Providence, 2024

Pakistan post 212

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman powered Pakistan to 212 in the first innings. Pakistan bowlers need to stop Sri Lanka at 147 or less to to go past New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals.Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl in their final Super 8 match at Pallekele in Kandy.Pakistan made changes to their playing XI. Former captain Babar Azam was left out after a run of low scores. Saim Ayub was also not included.Pakistan entered the match after a narrow loss to two-time champions England on Tuesday. Sri Lanka were already out of the tournament following defeats to England and New Zealand in their first two Super 8 matches.