The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has found itself in the middle of another shocking controversy, and this one involves some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket – Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf. A ball-tampering incident during a PSL 2026 match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings has shocked the entire world.
Fakhar Zaman’s actions came under serious suspicion during the final phase of the PSL 2026 clash. The controversy broke out soon after TV replays and match footage hinted at the possible ball tampering during the Karachi Kings’ successful run chase in Lahore.
Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf under fire for PSL 2026 shock
Reacting to the embarrassment, the former Pakistan cricketers have openly criticized not only Fakhar but also Lahore captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf. They felt the trio should be held responsible for what happened on the field.
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After the clips went viral, Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal wondered whether this could have happened without the knowledge of senior team members. Akmal believes that such acts usually involve more than one person, and therefore Fakhar, Shaheen, and Haris must answer for it.
It’s over for Fakhar Zaman: Basil Ali
Basit said on a live TV show, “Gaya Fakhar Zaman. Fakhar Zaman to gya [It’s over for Fakhar Zaman]. Since the evidence has come out, I’m sure that he’ll be fined a huge amount.”
Kamran said during the same discussion, “Punishment toh milegi, mujhe lagta hai milegi. Fakhar pe bhi aur kaptaan (Shaheen) pe bhi. Zimmedari toh banti hai. Lekin captain toh hai na, captain par bhi responsibility hoti hai. There will be punishment, I feel there will be. For Fakhar as well, and for Haris Rauf and the captain (Shaheen) too. Responsibility does come with it. After all, he is the captain, and the captain also has responsibility].”
Basit Ali said, “It’s over for Fakhar Zaman. Since the evidence has come out, I’m sure that he’ll be fined a huge amount.”
Kamran Akmal said, “Not only Fakhar Zaman, captain Shaheen and Haris Rauf are also responsible for this Ball Tampering. They can face a Ban as well.” pic.twitter.com/TYWAEEdj97
— Abdullah. (@Abdullahh_56) March 29, 2026
Meanwhile, the PSL disciplinary committee is now reviewing every detail, including TV footage, umpire reports, and inputs from match referees. Once the investigation is complete, the PSL is expected to announce the next steps, which could impact Lahore’s campaign this season.
Currently, Shaheen’s, Fakhar’s, and Rauf’s futures are not safe at all. All eyes are now on the disciplinary committee, as the cricket world waits to see what action will be taken against the players involved.
PCB charges Fakhar Zaman in PSL 2026 ball-tampering scandal
Well, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been officially charged for ball tampering, and a final decision will be announced soon.
The PCB said in an official statement: “Lahore Qalandars’ Fakhar Zaman has been charged with a Level 3 offense under Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel for violating Article 41.3 of the HBL PSL 11 playing conditions, which makes it an offense to take any action that changes the condition of the ball.”
The statement further reads, “Fakhar denied the charge leveled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama. Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours, after which the match referee will share his verdict. The incident occurred during the second innings of the match.”
