LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan Super League (PSL) Technical Committee has dismissed Lahore Qalandars opening batter Fakhar Zaman’s appeal regarding the decision of the Match Referee to suspend him for two PSL matches.
The appeal came after he was suspended for two PSL matches for changing the condition of the ball during the match against Karachi Kings on March 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that he was found guilty of a Level 3 offence for breaching Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
According to the cricket board, the appeal was heard today by the PSL Technical Committee comprising Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Mr Syed Ali Naqi.
“Pursuant to conducting a de novo inquiry, reviewing all evidence, and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the Committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban imposed by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama,” the statement read.
Fakhar Zaman suspended for two matches
Announcing the ban on Fakhar Zaman, the cricket board, in a statement, said that on-field Umpires Shahid Saikat, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, TV Umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth Umpire Tariq Rasheed levelled the charge of changing the condition of the ball during the match.
The PCB said, however, Fakhar denied the offence and contested the charge at a full disciplinary hearing in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
“Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and determined, after reviewing all evidence and providing an opportunity for a personal hearing to Fakhar,” the PCB said.
Lahore Qalandars Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Team Director Sameen Rana, and Team Manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing, it said.
The PCB had directed Fakhar Zaman to lodge any appeal under this article with the PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receipt of the written decision of the Match Referee.
The incident had occurred during the ending moments of the match when the on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars for five runs, and the ball was changed before the start of the last over of Karachi Kings’ batting innings.
Lahore Qalandars are next scheduled to face Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at the Gaddafi Stadium and Islamabad United on Thursday, April 9, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
