Lahore,: The 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off under unusual circumstances and immediate controversy, as a bizarre ball-colour incident and empty stands dominated headlines during the opening match in Lahore on Thursday.
Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars defeated Marnus Labuschagne’s Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at Gaddafi Stadium, but the on-field action was overshadowed by a strange development — the white ball gradually turning pink midway through the game.
Lahore Qalandars posted 199/6 in their 20 overs, riding on Fakhar Zaman’s 53. In response, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bundled out for 130, with Fakhar earning the Player of the Match award. However, the contest soon became secondary to the unusual discolouration of the ball.
Players and umpires noticed the white ball changing colour early in the innings. The issue drew attention when Hyderabad captain Marnus Labuschagne complained that dye from jerseys appeared to be transferring onto the ball, turning it pink and later reddish. The ball was eventually replaced after the 15th over.
Labuschagne later said he had never witnessed such an incident in professional cricket. He revealed that he alerted umpires early in the match after spotting the colour change, suggesting the dye might have come from clothing. The Australian all-rounder expressed hope that organisers would address the problem quickly.
While some speculated that the discolouration could have been caused by players rubbing the ball on the ground or by dew, the incident sparked widespread criticism on social media, with fans questioning equipment standards in the tournament.
The controversy added to an already subdued start to PSL 2026, which began without spectators due to the ongoing West Asia crisis and a fuel shortage. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decision followed a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging citizens to restrict travel.
The tournament has also been scaled down, with matches reduced from six venues to just two — Lahore and Karachi — while the opening ceremony was cancelled.
With the season only just underway, organisers now face pressure to resolve kit and equipment concerns quickly to avoid further embarrassment as the league progresses.
Source: NDTV Sports
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