Pakistan national cricket team batter Fakhar Zaman has been banned for two matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following a ball-tampering breach during Lahore Qalandars’ match against Karachi Kings. According to the reports, match referee Roshan Mahanama handed Zaman the maximum penalty after he was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball in the closing stages of the game.
The incident occurred during a tense finish when Karachi Kings needed 14 runs in the final over. On-field umpires penalized Lahore Qalandars with five runs after determining that the ball’s shape had been tampered with. Karachi went on to win the match.
Zaman denied the allegations during the post-match hearing, but the referee upheld the charge and imposed a two-match suspension.
The ban means Zaman will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9.
The development comes amid a challenging season for the PSL, which has already been impacted by logistical constraints. Matches in the 2026 edition are being held at limited venues and without spectators due to resource shortages linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Zaman, a key figure in Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning campaign, has been one of the league’s most prominent players. His absence is expected to be a significant setback for defending champions Lahore Qalandars.
Replacement options
Lahore Qalandars are likely to reshuffle their batting lineup in Zaman’s absence. Wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon is a potential candidate to open alongside Mohammad Naeem.
Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir is also in contention to be included in the playing XI. Tahir has represented Pakistan in limited-overs formats and brings experience, although his last international appearance came in April 2025 against New Zealand.
Lahore began their title defense with a win but suffered a defeat against Karachi Kings in their second match.
