Match referee Mahanama bans Pakistan bowler for tampering

Fakhar Zaman has been given a two-match ban in the Pakistan Super League after being found guilty of ball tampering.

The 35-year-old was charged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the Lahore Qalandars were penalised for the offence by the umpires during Sunday’s PSL match with Karachi Kings.

Prior to the final over, Kings, who needed 14 to win, were awarded five penalty runs after the officials deemed Pakistan international Fakhar had broken rules by “unfairly changing the condition of the ball”.

A second and final hearing was held on Monday and a PCB statement on Tuesday said Fakhar will be suspended for the Qalandars’ next two PSL fixtures.

“Fakhar denied the offence and contested the charge at a full disciplinary hearing in accordance with the code of conduct,” the PCB said.

“Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all evidence and providing an opportunity of a personal hearing to Fakhar”. 

(BBC sport)