LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars opener Faqar Zaman has been suspended for two matches in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 after being found guilty of breaching the tournament’s code of conduct.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed the decision following an incident during Lahore Qalandars’ clash with Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, March 29.
In the closing stages of the game, the field umpires penalized Lahore Qalandars for five runs and ordered Karachi Kings to change the ball before the last over of the innings.
Umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Afridi, TV umpire Asif Yakub and fourth umpire Tariq Rashid charged Zaman.
The player denied the allegations and requested a full disciplinary hearing under the Code of Conduct.
Match arbiter Roshan Mahanama oversaw the inquiry, took his decision after reviewing all the available evidence and giving Zaman a personal hearing.
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present.
Zaman was charged under Section 2.14 of the Code for “altering the position of the ball in contravention of Rule 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions”.
A first level 3 offense carries a minimum penalty of one match suspension and a maximum of two matches.
Lahore Qalandars are next scheduled to face Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, April 3, followed by a match against Islamabad United at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on April 9.
Any appeal against this decision must be submitted to the PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receipt of the Match Referee’s written decision.