Fakhar Zaman suspension for HBL PSL Code of Conduct breach

The Fakhar Zaman suspension has been confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board after the Lahore Qalandars batter was found guilty of breaching the HBL PSL Code of Conduct during a recent match.

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, 29 March at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed.

The incident occurred during the closing moments of the match when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to Karachi Kings. The ball was also changed before the start of the final over of Karachi Kings’ innings.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied the offence and opted to contest the charge through a full disciplinary hearing conducted under the Code of Conduct.

Match Referee Roshan Mahanama presided over the hearing and reached his decision after reviewing all available evidence and granting Fakhar Zaman an opportunity for a personal hearing. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the proceedings.

As a result of the decision, Fakhar Zaman will miss Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium and Islamabad United on April 9 at National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

According to the HBL PSL Code of Conduct, Article 2.14 relates to changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the playing conditions. The article outlines prohibited actions such as deliberately throwing the ball to roughen it, applying artificial substances, interfering with the seam, or scratching the surface using nails or any implement.

The Code further states that a first-time Level 3 offence carries a minimum penalty of a one-match ban and a maximum penalty of a two-match suspension, which has been applied in this case.

Fakhar Zaman retains the right to appeal the decision, with any appeal required to be lodged with the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written verdict.