The Pakistan Super League’s 11th season kicked off with an embarrassing controversy on Thursday as the white cricket ball turned pink during the opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne complained to the umpires after noticing the colour transfer from his team’s jersey onto the ball. The Australian batter said he had never seen anything like it in his professional career. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars won the match by a commanding 69 runs.
What Happened to the Ball During the PSL Opener
The incident occurred when fielders rubbed the ball against their jerseys to maintain shine. Instead of staying white, the ball started turning pink and then red as the dye from Hyderabad Kingsmen’s playing kit transferred onto it. Labuschagne raised the issue with the on-field umpires after just two overs of fielding.
Labuschagne did not hold back after the match. He told reporters he flagged the problem early and questioned the quality of the playing gear provided.
He said he told the umpires after the second over that the ball had turned red. He added that it must have come from the clothing. Labuschagne also noted he has seen instances where bat paint or pad colour leaves marks on the ball. However, he stressed he had never witnessed colour transfer from clothing before. He expressed hope that the issue would get sorted before the next few games.
Hyderabad Kingsmen Take a Dig at Lahore Qalandars
The Hyderabad Kingsmen franchise took to X after the defeat and posted a cheeky message. They congratulated Lahore Qalandars on winning their first pink ball game. The post quickly went viral and added fuel to the embarrassment surrounding the tournament’s opening night.
Another Setback for PSL’s Already Troubled Season
The jersey quality controversy adds to a growing list of problems for PSL 2026. The tournament is already playing behind closed doors in only two cities due to security concerns. Multiple overseas players have pulled out for the IPL.
Armed groups have issued threats against foreign cricketers. The ball colour incident now raises fresh questions about the league’s operational standards and quality control at a time when the PSL desperately needs to project a professional image on the global stage.
