Fakhar Zaman's requested rejected [Source: AFP]PSL 2026 was supposed to be celebrated like a festival in Pakistan, as the fans had waited for months for the marquee event to start. However, within the first week of the league, numerous controversies erupted, but none bigger than the Fakhar Zaman ball-tampering saga.The batter started the PSL 2026 brightly and was expected to be Lahore Qalandars’ main batter in the ongoing season. Instead of focusing on his batting, the Qalandars opener got involved in the biggest PSL 2026 controversy, and for that, he has to serve the consequences.Fakhar Zaman charged with ball-tampering allegationsDuring the high-octane PSL clash between Karachi Kings and the Lahore Qalandars, last Sunday, opening batter Fakhar was charged with ball-tampering allegations. The incident occurred in the final overs of the Karachi Kings' innings, when the on-field umpires penalised Qalandars with five runs, and also requested that the ball be changed.Fakhar came under scrutiny as the PSL governing body found enough evidence against him, and Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman, suspended him for two PSL matches.The batter requested a disciplinary hearing, but the final decision went against the Lahore opener as Naqvi’s decision was final.The left-handed batter was charged under Article 2.14 of the Code, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.Fakhar’s plea rejected by NaqviThe aggressive batter went against PCB’s decision as he filed an appeal to overturn his two-game ban judgment, but according to the latest media reports, Fakhar faced disappointment. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman, stood firm by his original call as he straightaway rejected Fakhar’s plea, and the player is set to miss the next two PSL matches.Sheri. @CallMeSheri1_ Fakhar Zaman’s appeal has been rejected, two-match ban stays in place. Apr 2, 2026, 9:04 PM This comes in as a massive blow for the Qalandars, especially with the fact that Fakhar is their best batter in the league.Also Read: PSL Ball Tampering Labelled 'Fake', Pakistan Great Reveals Real CulpritNot the first time Fakhar accused of ball-tamperingInterestingly, this is not the first time the Pakistan batter has been charged with ball-tampering allegations. One such incident took place during the T20 World Cup 2024 match between Pakistan and the USA.During the high-octane clash, it was noted that Fakhar handled the ball a bit unusually and was seen placing the ball under his jersey, accompanied by finger movements.In cricket, such actions generally mean that the player is trying to alter the shape of the ball to take advantage of the match situation. The incident raised an alarming situation, even in the USA camp as the ball started behaving differently after that incident.The USA players raised an official complaint, but no charges were put against the Pakistan opener.Matches Fakhar Zaman will miss after Naqvi bans him from PSLThe PSL 2026 ban comes in as a major jolt for the Qalandars. The team heavily depends on Fakhar for a solid start, but now the same responsibility has to be shouldered by Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique.The Shaheen Afridi-led side will next take on Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, and it will be followed by another cracking contest against Islamabad United on April 9.These are the two matches Fakhar will miss in PSL 2026, and he’ll return to action against Peshawar Zalmi on April 11.Also Read: LSG Breaks Silence On Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka On-Field Spat
