Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman banned for ball-tampering in PSL

Pakistan’s backbone of openness Farha Zaman He was banned for two games after being found guilty in Tuesday’s game PSL The “ball tampering” controversy has shaken the Pakistani cricket world.“Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two HBL PSL matches after being found guilty of a Level 3 offense for breaching Clause 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during Qalandars Lahore’s match against Karachi Kings on Sunday,” the PSL said in a media release.The statement added: “Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted a disciplinary hearing and made the decision after reviewing all the evidence.”Kings sealed the victory with a three-wicket advantage but the game became a major flashpoint when Haris Rauf was set to bowl for Qalandars at the end of the 19th over of the second innings when Karachi needed 14 runs in the final over.Zaman was seen having discussions with Haris Rauf and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi before the end of the game. Shortly thereafter, referee Faisal Afridi requested the ball. After lengthy observations and detailed discussions between Afridi and square-leg umpire Shavdullah, the referee ultimately seemed to conclude that Qalandars had deliberately altered the condition of the ball and awarded five penalties to Kings. Also, the ball changed immediately.The umpire awarded Lahore Qalandar a five-point penalty for changing the condition of the ball and later substituted him. This left Karachi Kings needing nine points in the final over and they managed to tie the score.All-rounder Abbas Afridi sealed the victory by hitting Rauf for four and a six after the bowler bowled one.