Multan Sultans Owner Stands by Ball-Tampering Remarks While Criticizing Lahore Qalandars

Multan Sultans owner Gohar Shah has once again spoken out about the ball-tampering controversy involving Lahore Qalandars, making it clear he is not backing down from his earlier remarks.

Speaking on The Burger Stop Podcast, Shah said he finds Lahore Qalandars “annoying,” particularly criticizing their fan base, while clarifying that his comments were not directed at the team’s players or management.

“I just don’t like how they behave, especially their fan base. I’m not pointing any fingers at the owners or the players,” Shah said.

He also addressed the backlash he faced after posting about the incident on social media, stressing that he had no role in the umpire’s decision.

“I tweeted that I thought the ball was getting a pedicure. Later, I’m not sure, the umpire called the player in and ruled him out for ball tampering. I was 30 kilometers away at home on my phone. I had no direct link to the umpire. He’s the one who made that decision. I had nothing to do with it,” he explained.

The comments relate to a controversial moment during the ongoing 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), which has remained a major talking point since it occurred.

During a March 29 match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Qalandars players were accused of tampering with the ball in the final over of the second innings, when Karachi Kings were chasing a target of 129.

Reports indicate that during the over, the ball was passed between players, including Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf, following a brief discussion with captain Shaheen Afridi. The on-field umpires then noticed a change in the ball’s condition, awarded five penalty runs to Karachi Kings, and ordered the ball to be replaced.

The penalty proved decisive, as Karachi Kings went on to complete the chase and win the match. Following the incident, Fakhar Zaman was found guilty of a Level III offence and handed a two-match suspension by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Shah said his reaction to the incident came purely as a viewer who noticed something unusual during the match.

“My only fault was that, as a spectator watching the game, I felt something was happening to the ball. It didn’t seem fair, so I pointed it out,” he said.

His now-deleted post sparked strong criticism, with some accusing him of being anti-Pathan and anti-Lahore Qalandars. Despite the backlash, Shah did not soften his stance.

“They may not be my franchise’s enemy number one, but they’re enemy number one for me,” he added.

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