Lahore Qalandars Face Controversy Over Ball-Tampering in PSL 2026

Ball-Tampering Incident in PSL Match

During a recent match in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, Lahore Qalandars found themselves at the center of a ball-tampering scandal. The team was penalized with a five-run deduction for allegedly altering the ball's condition just before the final over against Karachi Kings on Sunday night. The Kings managed to secure victory with three balls remaining, but the match took a dramatic turn at the end of the 19th over, with Karachi needing 14 runs in the last over as Haris Rauf prepared to bowl for the Qalandars. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Shaheen Afridi, Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman were seen handling the ball in quick succession at the bowler's run-up. Umpire Faisal Afridi, noticing the exchange, 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 tampered with the ball, resulting in a five-run penalty for the Kings and an immediate ball change.

Impact of the Penalty

This penalty proved crucial as it shifted the momentum towards the Karachi Kings. Although Khushdil Shah was dismissed on the first delivery, Haris Rauf followed with a wide ball. Abbas Afridi then took charge, hitting a four and a six to secure a thrilling win with three balls to spare.

Shaheen Afridi Responds to Allegations

In response to the ball-tampering allegations, 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."