Lahore Qalandars were penalised five runs for ball-tampering during their Pakistan Super League 2026 match against Karachi Kings. The penalty was imposed after the umpires ruled that the Qalandars had altered the condition of the ball before the final over of the game.
The match, which Karachi Kings won with three balls to spare, saw the incident unfold after 19 overs of the second innings. Kings required 14 runs to win, with Haris Rauf bowling the last over for the Qalandars. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is already embroiled in another controversy, Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman were involved in a brief interaction at the bowler’s run-up, during which each player handled the ball. Umpire Faisal Afridi observed the exchange and called for the ball to be inspected.
Following a detailed examination and discussion between umpires Faisal Afridi and Sharfuddoula, the officials concluded that the Qalandars had deliberately changed the ball’s condition. Consequently, five penalty runs were awarded to Karachi Kings, and the ball was replaced immediately.
Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi expressed his displeasure at the decision, which reduced the target for Kings to nine runs. The penalty had a significant impact on the match. Khushdil Shah was dismissed on the first ball of the final over, followed by a wide delivery from Rauf. Abbas Afridi then hit a four and a six to secure a dramatic victory for Karachi Kings.
WHAT DID SHAHEEN AFRIDI SAY?
While Qalandars captain Shaheen was left fuming with the call from the umpires, he chose not to delve into it too much during the post-match presentation. The pacer said that they will discuss about it after going through the video footage.
“Actually I do not if the ball was tampered. We will see it in the camera and discuss. Five runs penalty hurts but I can’t say anything now,” said Shaheen.
With this win, Karachi Kings maintain their perfect start to the season with two victories from two matches. Lahore Qalandars have now won one and lost one in their two games.
WILL SHAHEEN BE BANNED?
According to reports, the Pakistan Super League has already appointed a committee to review the ball-tampering incident involving Fakhar Zaman. It is worth noting that captain Shaheen Afridi had handed the ball to Fakhar during the episode.
Former cricketer Kamran Akmal said on a Pakistani TV show on Sunday that, if the incident is proven, both the captain and the player could face a much harsher punishment than the five-run penalty imposed by the umpire during the match.
“Not only Fakhar Zaman, captain Shaheen and Haris Rauf are also responsible for this ball-tampering incident. They could face a ban as well,” Kamran Akmal said.
Kamran’s argument draws some weight from past precedents, particularly during Australia’s tour of South Africa, when ball-tampering allegations were proven. Captain Steve Smith and senior batter David Warner were handed significant bans along with Cameron Bancroft, who carried out the act, while the rest of the bowling unit was largely shielded from the fallout.
If the allegations are proven and if Shaheen and the Qalandars are indeed sanctioned, it would mark another low point for Pakistan cricket, which has already endured a turbulent period in recent years.
