Fakhar Zaman denies ball-tampering charges in LHQ vs KRK PSL 2026

PSL 2026 has started with controversies, and it has only experienced additions with the time progress. The latest controversy has shaken the world of cricket once again with the ball-tampering controversy. While Lahore Qalandars have been charged with ball-tampering, opener Fakhar Zaman has denied the charge. 

Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman is an experienced and senior cricketer, as the 35-year-old is the oldest in the Lahore Qalandars' squad for the PSL 2026 season. During the match against Karachi Kings on Sunday night (March 29), while the match entered the final over thriller, Qalandars were charged with ball-tampering. 

Not only the opening batter Fakhar, but also the skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, the premium tall left-arm fast bowler, is also in trouble for that incident, as social media is also blaming the skipper. However, there is no official charge for Afridi yet. 

The ball-tampering incident details during Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings match

According to the video, when the skipper Shaheen was talking with the fast-bowler Haris Rauf, as Karachi Kings needed 14 to win in the last over, Fakhar grabbed the ball from Haris. Soon after that, the on-field umpire Faisal Afridi took the ball for inspection and later had a lengthy discussion with his umpiring partner Sharfuddoula. They were ultimately convinced that the ball had been tampered with, and they awarded five penalty runs to Karachi Kings, who then needed nine runs off the last six balls. 

While the ball was replaced, the batters Khushdil Shah and Azam Khan were allowed to choose the replacement ball. Kings ultimately chased down the target in three balls. 

In the post-match presentation ceremony, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was asked, and he seemed clueless. He added that he didn't understand yet, as he would try to watch the camera angle of that incident. Meanwhile, he admitted that five runs penalty hurt them hugely. 

What can Fakhar Zaman face if he is found guilty?

According to the PCB statement, Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a level-III offence, which can ban him for a minimum of one match or a maximum of two matches in the first violation of a PSL season. However, Fakhar has reportedly denied any wrongdoing with the ball, which means there will be another hearing, which is expected to be held within the next 48 hours under match referee Roshan Mahanama.  

Fans' reaction on PSL ball-tampering controversy

Many fans have slammed Fakhar Zaman for that incident, as some of them believed the video evidence was clear enough. Meanwhile, some have even blamed the skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, as they feel that both should be responsible for that incident.