LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman has challenged his two-match suspension imposed over an alleged ball-tampering incident during a Pakistan Super League match against Karachi Kings, sources said on Wednesday.

The opening batter has submitted an appeal to the PSL Technical Committee, seeking a review of the disciplinary action.

Fakhar was charged with a Level 3 offence under Article 2.14 of the Pakistan Cricket Board Code of Conduct for allegedly violating playing condition Article 41.3, which prohibits altering the condition of the ball.

The board announced the suspension on Tuesday following an incident during Lahore Qalandars’ match against Karachi Kings on March 29.

According to details, Fakhar was seen exchanging the ball with teammate Haris Rauf during a brief discussion with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi before the umpire examined it.

After consultations, officials imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore Qalandars and replaced the ball — a decision that proved crucial as Abbas Afridi hit a four and a six to guide Karachi Kings to a four-wicket victory with three balls remaining..

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On-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed, subsequently filed charges against the batter.

Fakhar denied the allegations and requested a full disciplinary hearing, which was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who reviewed evidence and granted him a personal hearing.

Captain Shaheen, team director Sameen Rana, and manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the proceedings.

Under the rules, a Level 3 offence can result in a ban ranging from one to two matches. Fakhar’s appeal was filed within the stipulated 48-hour window following the referee’s decision.

The 35-year-old is set to miss upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi due to the suspension.