Lahore Qalandars opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches after being found guilty of a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Code.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the charge followed the Lahore Qalandars versus Karachi Kings match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Sunday, 29 March during the final moments of play.
The incident occurred when umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars five runs and replaced the ball before the final over of second innings, prompting an official review.
On-field Umpires Shahid Saikat, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, TV Umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth Umpire Tariq Rasheed submitted the charge, which Fakhar Zaman formally denied during the hearing.
Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted a full disciplinary hearing, reviewing evidence, providing Fakhar Zaman a personal hearing, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and team management present.
The suspension of Fakhar Zaman will rule him out of upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on 3 April and Islamabad United on 9 April in Karachi.
Article 2.14 prohibits changing the condition of the ball by roughening, applying substances, lifting seams, or scratching, with Level 3 offences carrying one to two match bans.
Appeals against this decision must be submitted to the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the written determination and official ruling of the Match Referee.
Yesterday, the three-times champions Lahore Qalandars officially fined captain Shaheen Shah Afridi PKR 1 million following a security breach at the team hotel.
In a letter addressed to PSL chief executive Salman Naseer, Punjab Police had alleged Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar Raza escorted the visitors to a player room.
The letter stated the visitors remained inside the hotel room for approximately three hours despite prior refusals from security officials responsible for maintaining strict protocols.
Discipline issues have not been restricted to the Lahore Qalandars. Karachi Kings fast bowler Hasan Ali was fined 10 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct.
The incident occurred during the same match against Lahore, where Hasan was found to have used disparaging language or gestures toward batter Haseebullah Khan following a dismissal.
