Fakhar Zaman suspended for two PSL matches over level 3 code breach

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended Fakhar Zaman for two matches in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) after he was found guilty of a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

As per the PCB, the incident took place during the closing stages of the Lahore Qalandars versus Karachi Kings encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 29.

During the match, the on-field umpires imposed a five-run penalty on the Lahore Qalandars and asked for a change of the ball before the final over of the Karachi Kings innings.

The charge was brought against Fakhar Zaman by the on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed supporting the charge. Fakhar Zaman denied the charge and decided to contest it during the full disciplinary hearing.

Fakhar Zaman’s hearing took place before the PSL 8 match referee Roshan Mahanama. Lahore Qalandars skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing.

This means that Fakhar will miss his side’s next two fixtures in the Pakistan Super League. Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to play Multan Sultans on April 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium, and then Islamabad United on April 9 at the National Bank Stadium.

This is a major blow for the Lahore Qalandars ahead of these crucial games in the tournament.