Lahore Qalandars are the defending champions in PSL 2026. Credits - AP
PSL 2026 had a dramatic Sunday as Lahore Qalandars faced Karachi Kings in Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. After the Kings defeated the reigning champions in a final-over thriller by four wickets, the social media burst with countless fans having their respective say over the game.
As Abbas Afridi finished off the game in style by spanking a six and a four off Haris Rauf, the game became the talk of the town. However, a lot had happened before that.
Lahore Qalandars had 14 runs in the bank before the final over of the final innings, as the Karachi Kings were at 111/5. But then, the two on-field umpires had paused the game and changed the ball before the final over.
Did Fakhar Zaman tampered the ball?
According to the umpires, Fakhar Zaman had tampered with the ball, which led them to change the ball and impose a five-run penalty on Lahore.
The equation came down to 9 runs off six balls, and despite losing a wicket on the first ball, the Kings got over the line. The PCB have charged the Lahore Qalandars opener with a Level 3 breach under Article 41.3 of the PSL 11 playing conditions. Fakhar has denied the charge, and the board will now have a hearing on the matter within the next 48 hours.
Also Read: Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Slaps Hasan Ali With Heavy Penalty For Major Mistake In PSL 2026
Karachi Kings took a dig at Fakhar Zaman, Lahore Qalandars
While taking a dig at the Fakhar Zaman ball tampering saga, the Karachi Kings have dropped a savage post on their X handle. They posted an image from the first innings of the game, showing the whole team celebrating together on the big screen after a decision went their way.
The Kings taunted the Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars, stating, “It was a different BALL game.”
Shaheen Afridi denies ball tampering allegations
Lahore Qalandars' Shaheen Afridi opposed the ball tampering allegation when asked about the same in the post-match presentation. The captain opined that the ball was "not tampered". He further stated that they will check the footage and discuss.
"Actually I do not if the ball was tampered. We will see it in the camera and discuss. Five runs penalty hurts but I can't say anything now," Shaheen Afridi said during the post-match presentation on Sunday.
Nevertheless, if the PCB finds Fakhar Zaman guilty of a Level 3 breach, the 35-year-old batter can face a ban of up upto 1-2 matches in the PSL 2026. In addition, some portion of his match fees can also be dedicated as a fine. More updates on the matter will follow soon.
Pakistan and its history with ball tampering
Pakistani cricketers have been accused of tampering with the ball in the past as well. Legends like Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Akhtar have been involved in ball-tampering cases over the years. However, Fakhar Zaman's saga has to be the first of its kind as it occurred in the PSL.
Ball tampering is a practice used to get the ball to reverse-swing. However, it has reduced in recent times, and the decline is largely due to the widespread use of cameras in modern sports broadcasting. The last episode of ball tampering in cricket was back in 2018, when three of the Australian players used sandpaper to tamper with the condition of the ball. Ironically, two of them - Steve Smith and David Warner - are currently in Pakistan playing in the PSL 2026.
Also Read: MS Dhoni IPL Retirement Hinted By CSK Legend Amid Injury Setback
.jpg?type=mq "Mahieka Sharma special gesture")
