PSL 2026: Even after facing a suspension in the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2026, Fakhar Zaman continues to remain in the spotlight. Lahore Qalandars have surprisingly kept him involved with the team, despite the seriousness of the situation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board handed Fakhar a two-match ban after he was found guilty of ball-tampering. The decision was confirmed on April 3 when the PSL appellate body rejected his appeal.
Fakhar Zaman Handed Two-Match Suspension
For the unversed, Fakhar Zaman was handed a two-match ban after he was charged with a level 3 breach of the PSL Code of Conduct for altering the condition of the ball. Although he argued that there wasn’t enough clear evidence against him, a technical committee reviewed the footage and upheld the ban.
Because of this, he missed Lahore Qalandars’ match against Multan Sultans and will also sit out the upcoming clash with Islamabad United on April 9. He is expected to return for the game against Peshawar Zalmi on April 11.
PSL 2026 Controversy: Fakhar Zaman Was Already Under Watch
Interestingly, sources have revealed that Fakhar was already being closely monitored during the match even before the penalty was given.
“The Karachi Kings management had brought to the notice of the fourth umpire and subsequently the match referee from the 13th over onwards that they suspected Fakhar was doing something to the ball,” said a source.
Following this, the match referee asked the on-field umpires to keep a close eye on Fakhar.
“Before the final over, umpire Faisal Afridi had already been watching closely. He asked for the ball and on inspecting it suspected it had been tampered with a foreign object,” he added.
“That is why the decision to change the ball and award penalty runs was given,” he stated.
Fakhar Zaman Appointed Temporary Coach During Ban
Interestingly, Lahore Qalandars decided to keep Fakhar involved in a different way. During his suspension, he stepped in as the temporary head coach for the team’s match against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore.
Reports from Pakistani media suggest that Fakhar took charge of that game, although there hasn’t been a clear explanation as to why Russell Domingo did not take on the role.
🚨 Fakhar Zaman was the temporary head coach of LQ against the Multan Sultans.🤯 pic.twitter.com/c3BtYcJdAv
— Abdullah (@Abdullahhhh_56) April 4, 2026
🚨 PSL Circus Continues 🚨
Fakhar Zaman who was banned for two matches for ball-tampering was immediately made temporary head coach of Lahore Qalandars.
No accountability. No standards. Just blatant mockery of discipline.
This is why PSL struggles to be taken seriously as a… pic.twitter.com/FdIRJUs54H
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) April 4, 2026
PSL 2026 Match Summary: Lahore Qalandars Win Rain-Shortened Clash
Lahore Qalandars put in a strong performance in a 13-over-a-side match at Gaddafi Stadium. Mohammad Naeem scored a quick 60, while Parvez Hossain Emon (45) and Abdullah Shafique (33) helped post 185/5.
Multan Sultans fought back with Ashton Turner’s unbeaten 52 and Shan Masood’s 44 but fell short at 165/5, losing by 20 runs via DLS. Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets, with Ubaid Shah, Sikandar Raza, and Shaheen Afridi picking one each.
PSL 2026 Points Table: Lahore Qalandars Move to Second Spot
With this win against Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars climbed to second place with four points. Karachi Kings lead with six points, while Multan Sultans are third with four.
