Watch: Lahore Qalandars penalised for ball-tampering during PSL 2026 clash vs Karachi Kings

The sixth encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has been rocked by the ball tempering scandal at the Gaddafi Stadium between the Lahore Qalandars and the Karachi Kings, as the former’s captain, Shaheen Afridi, was also put under the bus by an awkward question in the post-match presentation, following their last-over defeat by four wickets. 

Lahore, under Shaheen Shah Afridi, didn’t post a massive score on the board, but they were still in the game till the last over, with Haris Rauf getting prepared to bowl the last set of six balls to defend 13 runs against Khusdil Shah and Azam Khan. The game could have moved in anyone’s favor at that moment. 

What led to ball-tampering penalty during Lahore vs Karachi match

Suddenly, the Lahore players were taking their time before starting the final over as captain Afridi, bowler Haris Rauf, and their opening batter, Fakhar Zaman, were seen to be doing something with the ball. The first penalty came due to the extra time the home side took in placing their field, for which they were allowed to keep only four fielders outside the ring due to the slow over-rate.

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Meanwhile, the fourth umpire was seen to be running out with a box of balls as they tried to explain to the Lahore captain the exact situation of the game. And suddenly, it was confirmed that the condition of the ball had changed, for which the umpires also awarded the five-run penalty to the Kings.

Impact of penalty on Lahore Qalandars during the game

The five-run penalty brought massive comfort in the chase, with the required equation becoming nine runs needed in six balls. Rauf dismissed Khusdil on the very first ball of the last over before being smashed for a four by Abbas Afridi, who celebrated the victory in the nail-biting contest with a six.

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For the Kings, it was Adam Zampa, who was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award due to his fine bowling spell of 2/11 in four overs, including a maiden. The victory pushed the Kings to the top of the points table.

H2: Fans react as controversy hits PSL 2026 clash

Here is how the fans reacted to the ball-tempering controversy of the PSL 2026 clash-