Marnus Labuschagne (screen capturer) The Pakistan Super League (PSL) got off to a controversial start on its opening day after an incident where the regular white ball turned pink during the first match of the season due to color transfer from the Hyderabad Kingsmen jerseys. A problem first noted by Marnus Labuschagne that quickly attracted attention on social media. The PSL started its 2026 season on March 26, but there was controversy in the opening match itself. The clash between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore unexpectedly turned into what fans described as a “pink ball contest”. The Hyderabad Kingsmen captain pointed out to the umpire that the ball was changing color and explained that the paint from his team’s jerseys was rubbing against the white ball, gradually turning it pink and later reddish.
Watch
IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan steals the show at the captains’ meet “After the second game, I said to the referees, ‘What’s going on? The ball is red.’ It must be from clothing or something. I’ve never seen anything like this before,” a bewildered Labuschagne told reporters at the post-match press conference.“I’ve seen cases where something on the bat has gotten on the ball or it’s hit the mat and removed some of the paint. But I’ve never seen that happen with the clothes. I’m sure they’ll sort it out in the next few games,” he added.After the match, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a cheeky post on X after their crappy kit turned the match into a ‘pink ball contest’.Cricketers often polish the ball using jerseys or a towel to maintain the shine, which helps bowlers produce swing. However, the incident caused serious concern and many called it an embarrassment to the PSL. Questions are being asked as to how such shoddy kits were approved which allow the color of the jersey to be transferred to the match ball. The Australian star expressed hope that the owners of the franchise will solve the problem quickly.
Summary of the match
Lahore Qalandars started their PSL 2026 campaign with a dominant 69-run win over Hyderabad Kingsmen. Batting first, Lahore made 199/4, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s 53 and Hasebullah Khan’s unbeaten 40. In reply, Hyderabad were bowled out for 130, with Ubaid Shah, Sikandar Raza and Haris Rauf taking two wickets each.
Vote
Do you think the absence of foreign players affects the competitiveness of the PSL?
The tournament is being played behind closed doors due to the crisis in West Asia and is restricted to Lahore and Karachi. PSL 2026 was also affected by the loss of several overseas players, many of whom joined IPL teams as replacements.
