Pakistan international and Lahore Qalandars star Fakhar Zaman is facing a potential suspension after being officially charged with ball-tampering during a high-stakes Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings.

The incident occurred during the final over of Sunday’s match, with the Kings requiring 14 runs for victory.

Match officials awarded five penalty runs to Karachi after determining that Fakhar had illegally altered the condition of the ball.

Following the ruling, the ball was replaced at the Kings' request, who then successfully chased down the remaining nine runs to secure the win.

According to a PSL statement released on Monday, Fakhar has been charged with violating playing conditions that strictly prohibit any action intended to change the ball's natural state.

"Fakhar denied the charge leveled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by match referee Roshan Mahanama," the PSL confirmed.

A second hearing is scheduled to take place within the next 48 hours, after which the referee will deliver a final verdict.

If found guilty of the offense, the veteran opening batter could face a ban of at least one PSL match, a significant blow to the Qalandars' campaign.

Source: AFP