A player is suspended for a minimum of one match or a maximum of two for a first time level-III offence under the PSL code of conduct for players and player support personnel.

The incident surfaced at the start of the last over of the Kings’ run chase when on-field umpire Faisal Afridi sought the ball from Haris Rauf after it had exchanged hands between Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar. Faisal indulged in a lengthy discussion with Sharfuddoula, the other on-field umpire, and the two decided to bring in a replacement ball, deeming it to have been tampered with.

A PCB statement said: “Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all evidence and providing an opportunity of personal hearing to Fakhar. Lahore Qalandars Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Team Director Sameen Rana and Team Manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing.”

The PSL code of conduct allows Fakhar to lodge an appeal against the decision with the PSL technical committee within 48 hours of receiving the written verdict from the match referee.

Fakhar will be unavailable for the Qalandars’ matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9.