PSL 2026 witnessed major controversy as umpires changed the ball during Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings clash. Fakhar Zaman has been charged, while Shaheen Afridi reacted post-match.
PSL: Ball-tampering scandal rocks Lahore-Karachi clash; Shaheen fumbles for answers/ Credit: Screengrab/YouTube
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 was rocked by controversy after a suspected ball-tampering incident during the clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.
The incident unfolded at the start of the final over of Karachi Kings’ chase when on-field umpire Faisal Afridi took the ball from Haris Rauf for inspection after it had passed through multiple hands, including those of captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman.
Advertisement
Following a lengthy discussion with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials deemed the ball to have been tampered with and decided to replace it.
Advertisement
As a result, Karachi Kings were awarded five penalty runs, with batters Khushdil Shah and Azam Khan given the option to choose the replacement ball.
This is so Shameful
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) March 29, 2026
Speaking after the match, Shaheen appeared unsettled when questioned about the development.
“I don’t know about this, and we’ll see if it’s there in the camera and discuss what it is. Actually, five runs taken and we can’t do anything,” he said during the post-match presentation.
Pressed further, the Lahore skipper distanced himself from any wrongdoing.
“I can only speak about myself. There was never any attempt on my part to change the condition of the ball, or even to try. All I remember is that when I was trying to dry the ball and make it shine, the umpires asked us not to dry it under the shirt. Who they are accusing, unless we don’t see the proof, I think it’s a big decision. I have not been called for an enquiry,” he added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board later confirmed disciplinary action, charging Fakhar Zaman with a Level-III offence. The charge carries a minimum one-match ban and could extend to two matches for a first offence in a PSL season.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama is set to conduct a hearing in the coming days, with Fakhar expected to contest the charge.
The controversy has once again put the spotlight on ball-handling protocols and on-field enforcement in T20 leagues.
Advertisement
