Naseem Shah Punished, Fakhar Charged And Samson Record- March 30 Cricket Highlights

Naseem Shah and Sanju Samson [Source: AFP, Chennai Super Kings]

Naseem Shah has been punished by the PCB for violating the board’s ‘media protocols. Fakhar Zaman has been charged for his involvement in the ball-tampering for Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing PSL 2026 season. In other news, Sanju Samson replaced injured MS Dhoni to become CSK’s only sixth wicketkeeper-batter in IPL history. 

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Monday, March 30.

Naseem Shah hit hard by PCB for controversial tweet

The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB has imposed a hefty fine of PKR 2 crores on Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah for “violating the terms of the PCB central contract” as well as the “media policy and regulations”. A couple of days ago, the speedster posted a controversial tweet against Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz, alleging the politician of receiving ‘special treatment’ from the PCB before the opening match of the PSL 2026 season.

While Naseem has since deleted the tweet and distanced himself from the controversy, he has also issued an unconditional apology to the Pakistan board.

Fakhar Zaman to face repercussion for PSL 2026 ball-tampering

Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman is set to face repercussions by the PCB for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in the ongoing PSL 2026 season. During Qalandars’ match against Karachi Kings, the on-field umpires came to a conclusion that the condition of the ball was altered mere moments prior to the final over of the low-scoring match in Lahore.

Also Read- PSL Ball Tampering Labelled 'Fake', Pakistan Great Reveals Real Culprit

A PCB statement confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a level 3 offence, and the cricketer is also scheduled to attend a hearing set to be conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama within two days.

Sanju Samson keeps wickets for CSK in MS Dhoni’s absence

Sanju Samson served the CSK team as its wicketkeeper-batter against Rajasthan Royals in match number three of the IPL 2026 season in Guwahati. With the bat, however, the cricketer failed to get his side off to a flier as he was dismissed for just six by Nandre Burger in the second over of the match.

With MS Dhoni getting ruled out of the tournament for two weeks, Samson has now become only the sixth cricketer in the history of the franchise to play as its wicketkeeper, joining a rare list consisting of only six wicketkeeper-batters to date.

Sohail Tanvir joins Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2026

Former Pakistan cricketer Sohail Tanvir has joined the Quetta Gladiators franchise in the ongoing PSL 2026 season. The ex-fast bowler has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the team. Tanvir is now expected to join the Quetta Gladiators camp on March 31.

With Tanvir as part of the coaching staff, the Gladiators will next play against Islamabad United in match number nine of the PSL 2026 season on Thursday, April 2 later this week at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Sarfaraz Khan faces action on CSK debut in IPL 2026

Sarfaraz Khan committed a major blunder on his CSK debut in match number three of the IPL 2026 season in Guwahati against the Rajasthan Royals. Batting at number five, and arriving to the crease well inside the powerplay, Sarfaraz walked out with an ‘illegal bat’. His bat was tested by the on-field umpire during a gauge check in the fourth over of the match.

The cricketer was also dismissed for just 17 from 12 balls by Ravindra Jadeja as the CSK team folded up for just 127 after getting invited to bat first.

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