Mumbai, April 2 (NationPress) The three-member Appellate Committee has dismissed the appeal made by Lahore Qalandars batsman Fakhar Zaman regarding his two-match suspension for ball tampering. The Committee determined that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the decision, according to a news report published on Thursday.

The ruling was anticipated, as ample evidence suggested that Fakhar Zaman had altered the condition of the ball during a recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.

“Fakhar Zaman contested the Match Referee's ruling to suspend him for two PSL matches due to a violation of Article 2.14 of the relevant Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the Lahore Qalandars versus Karachi Kings match on Sunday, March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore,” stated a release from the PCB.

“The appeal was reviewed today by the PSL Technical Committee, which included Professor Javed Malik, Dr. Mumraiz Naqshband, and Mr. Syed Ali Naqi. After conducting a comprehensive inquiry, examining all evidence, and listening to testimonies from involved parties, the Committee has rejected the appeal and confirmed the two-match suspension imposed by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama,” the report cited.

According to Article 2.14, it pertains to “Changing the condition of the ball in violation of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions.”

“The first-time commission of a Level 3 offence incurs a minimum penalty of a one-match suspension and a maximum of two matches,” the decision clarified. Under the Code of Conduct, any ruling made by the PSL Technical Committee is final and binding on all involved parties.

The incident took place in the final moments of the match, leading the on-field umpires to impose a penalty on Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposing team. The ball was later replaced before the conclusion of the Karachi Kings’ innings.

The charge was initiated by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied any wrongdoing and chose to contest the accusation during a formal disciplinary hearing, as allowed by the Code of Conduct.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama oversaw the hearing, reviewing all evidence and providing Fakhar with an opportunity to defend himself before arriving at a final verdict. Present were Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana, and team manager Farooq Anwar.

The Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face the Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a matchup against Islamabad United on Thursday, April 9, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.