Just as Pakistan’s series against Australia is about to kick off, a new controversy emerged in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, as former international batsman Ahmed Shehzad was accused of ball-tampering.

During a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy game between Central Punjab and Sindh,  Ahmed Shehzad was fined 50 per cent of his match-fee after being found guilty of ball-tampering.

The incident occurred during the 17th over of Sindh’s first innings when on-field umpires Mohammad Asif and Zameer Ahmed found that the ball had been unfairly changed by a member of the fielding side during a normal inspection .

The matter was reported by the umpires to the match referee who held a hearing after the match ended in a draw.

“Ahmed pleaded not guilty to the charge, and, as such, a hearing took place after the match on Thursday, in which Ahmed was found guilty,” PCB said in a press release.

Later in a statement, Ahmed Shahzad clarified his stance with an official statement.

“We can agree to disagree in this incident as I maintain that the condition of the ball changed naturally due to the rough playing square and not artificially,” he stated.

“I tried to convince the match officials, but they insisted and I accept and respect their decision.

“I would never indulge in such an act nor allow any of my team-mates to disrespect the game. My priority is to play hard, competitive and result-oriented cricket, and at the same time inspire the younger generation, which watches us play the game.”

The right-handed top-order batsman last featured for Pakistan during their humiliating three-nil defeat at home to Sri Lanka in a T20I series.