Lahore Qalandars Face Controversy Over Ball Tampering in PSL Match

In a dramatic turn of events during the PSL 2026, the Lahore Qalandars were penalized for ball tampering, leading to a five-run penalty against the Karachi Kings. This incident occurred just before the final over, shifting the match's momentum. Despite the controversy, the Kings secured victory with three balls to spare. Shaheen Afridi, responding to the allegations, expressed uncertainty about the incident and emphasized his team's fighting spirit. This match has sparked discussions about the integrity of the game and the implications of such actions in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 08:55 IST

Controversial Incident in PSL Match

Lahore [Pakistan], March 30: The Lahore Qalandars found themselves at the center of a ball-tampering scandal during their recent match against the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, resulting in a five-run penalty just before the final over.

The match concluded with the Kings securing victory with three balls remaining, but not without a significant incident at the end of the 19th over. Karachi needed 14 runs in the last over as Haris Rauf prepared to bowl for the Qalandars, according to reports.

As Rauf was getting ready, Shaheen Afridi, Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman were seen briefly handling the ball at the top of the bowler's run-up. Umpire Faisal Afridi, noticing this exchange, promptly called for an inspection of the ball.

After a thorough examination and discussions with square-leg umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials concluded that the Qalandars had intentionally altered the ball's condition, leading to a five-run penalty for the Kings and an immediate ball change.

This decision shifted the match's momentum significantly in favor of the Karachi Kings. Although Khushdil Shah was dismissed on the first delivery, Haris Rauf followed with a costly wide, allowing Abbas Afridi to finish the game with a four and a six, clinching a thrilling win.

In response to the ball-tampering allegations post-match, Afridi stated, “I don’t know about this, and we’ll see if it’s there in the camera and discuss what it is. Actually, five runs taken, and we can’t do anything. Like, you can’t say. Not for me, my team is fighting till the last ball, which I need for every game.”