The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Quetta Gladiators have not filed an official complaint alleging ball tampering by Peshawar Zalmi during their PSL match on Saturday.

When speaking to media after a five-wicket win over Karachi Kings on Sunday, Quetta captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said that his team had followed the PCB’s protocols and filed a report on the matter.

However, the PCB stated on Monday that no official complaint had been filed by Quetta’s team manager and submitted to the match referee within 48 hours of the match’s conclusion, as per the requirements of the PSL’s code of conduct.

“We are aware that a statement on changing the condition of the ball has been made without providing any concrete evidence or lodging a formal complaint through the correctly stated procedure,” said Wasim Khan, the PCB’s chief executive.

“In this case, this should have been submitted to the match referee by 6pm on Monday, 24 February. Such irresponsible statements without formal follow-up will only affect the integrity of the event and cast doubts on international cricketers and, as such, I request the players to use caution and show responsibility.

“We have an excellent panel of umpires who, as per the playing conditions, are carrying out due diligence during matches. If they will spot any artificial or unnatural interference with the ball, they will act as per the code.

“I request all participants to uphold the spirit of the game and to focus solely on cricket. This is the first complete HBL PSL 2020 taking place in Pakistan and like every Pakistan cricket fan, we wish this to be a memorable 32 days for all the right reasons.”