The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches in the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League after he was found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct during a recent fixture.
According to the PCB, Fakhar committed a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 during the match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings held at Gaddafi Stadium on March 29.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match when on-field umpires imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore Qalandars and ordered a ball change before the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings.
The charge was levelled by the match officials, including on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, TV umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied the allegation and opted for a full disciplinary hearing.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the hearing and, after reviewing evidence and hearing the player’s defence, upheld the charge. Representatives of Lahore Qalandars, including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, were also present.
Article 2.14 of the Code pertains to altering the condition of the ball, including actions such as scratching its surface, tampering with seams, or applying foreign substances.
As per regulations, a Level 3 offence carries a minimum one-match ban and a maximum of two matches for a first-time violation. Fakhar has been handed the maximum penalty.
He will now miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.
The PCB added that any appeal must be filed with the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written decision.
Comments