Ajay Jadeja took a swipe at the PSL 2026 ball-tampering row, comparing it to Shahid Afridi’s past controversy with a sharp ‘Are you watching this?’ remark.
Shaheen Afridi and Shahid Afridi (PC: PSL screengrab and X.com)
The Pakistan Super League 2026 ball-tampering controversy during the clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings has sparked widespread debate, with disciplinary action already underway.
The incident unfolded in the final over of Karachi’s chase when on-field umpires inspected the ball after it had been handled by multiple Lahore players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman. After a brief discussion, the umpires decided to replace the ball and awarded five penalty runs to Karachi Kings.
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Following the match, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a Level 3 offence for altering the condition of the ball. The charge carries a potential one to two-match ban, with a hearing scheduled in the coming days.
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Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja added a sharp layer to the debate with his reactions on social media.
Jadeja mocked the league, referring to it as the “Paisa Shortage League” and “Petrol Storage League,” while also drawing a striking comparison to a past controversy involving Shahid Afridi.
He posted, “Shahid Afridi are you watching this video… Legacy continues,” referencing Afridi’s infamous ball-tampering incident in 2010.
Shahid Afridi are you watching this video, if yes, then just hit the like tempering button
Afridi vs Australia
+ Fakhar in PSL
———————
Legacy continues
———————pic.twitter.com/StODbX67TM— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) March 30, 2026
The incident Jadeja referred to dates back to January 31, 2010, during an ODI between Pakistan and Australia at the WACA in Perth.
Afridi, who was captaining the side at the time, was caught on live television biting the seam of the ball, an act widely interpreted as an attempt to alter its condition. He later pleaded guilty and was handed a two-match T20I ban by match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
Back in PSL 2026, Jadeja also highlighted the seriousness of the current situation, suggesting Fakhar could be in “big trouble” while reacting to the sanctions imposed during the game, including the five penalty runs awarded to Karachi.
The incident has also triggered strong reactions from fans on social media, with many drawing parallels to Pakistan cricket’s controversial past.
Some users pointed to a long-standing history of ball-tampering allegations, especially before modern camera technology made such acts easier to detect.
“They used to tamper with the ball for reverse swing since the 1980s. Reverse swing disappeared after advanced cameras came. Even Inzamam was caught in the 2005 Oval Test.”
Others questioned whether past greats benefited from similar practices.
“I often wonder about the history of ball tampering in Pakistan. Could this be why legends like Wasim and Waqar excelled? Just a thought.”
There were also more critical takes targeting the current players and the broader message such incidents send.
“Fakhar Zaman joins the ‘tampering club’. If top players don’t follow the rules, what message does that send? The ban might be small, but the damage is bigger.”
Some reactions even turned sarcastic, referencing personal connections and past controversies.
“Damad ko kuch to sikheya sasur Afridi.”
The remark alludes to the relationship between Shahid Afridi and Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Shaheen being Afridi’s son-in-law, adding another layer to the comparisons being drawn online.
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