Image Source: X
PSL 2026 Controversy: The new season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has kicked off, but the very first match has already grabbed headlines more for its controversies than for the game itself. An incident occurred during the match played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium between the Hyderabad Kingsmen and the defending champions, the Lahore Qalandars an event that has left the cricketing world astonished. During the match, the color of the white ball suddenly changed to pink, subsequently raising questions regarding the tournament's organizational standards.
White Ball Turns Pink Due to Dye Transfer from Jerseys
While the Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowling during the match, the players began rubbing the ball against their jerseys in an attempt to shine it. This is a standard practice in cricket; however, the players were taken aback when the dye from their jerseys began to transfer onto the ball. In a matter of moments, the white ball had turned completely pink.
Captain Marnus Labuschagne Complains to Umpires
Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne was left stunned by the incident. He lodged a complaint with the on-field umpires while the match was still in progress. Labuschagne revealed that the ball had started changing color as early as the second over of the innings.
"Right after the second over, I asked the umpire, 'What is going on here?' The ball has turned red/pink. This has definitely happened because of the dye from the clothing. I have never seen anything like this in my entire career." - Marnus Labuschagne
Questions Raised Over Poor Quality Jerseys
Labuschagne expressed hope that the franchise owners would address this serious issue. In a lighthearted yet sarcastic tone, he remarked that while he had heard of paint from bats or pads transferring onto the ball, having the dye from clothing bleed onto it was simply unbelievable.
Demanding improvements, he stated that the players should be provided with better kits for the upcoming matches.Match Result and Hyderabad's Viral Post
Amidst this fierce battle on the field, the Lahore Qalandars displayed a stellar performance to win the match by 69 runs. However, despite the defeat, the Hyderabad Kingsmen won hearts on social media with their sportsmanship and sense of humor. They posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter):
Also Read: IPL 2026: Full Schedule for Phase 2 Announced by BCCI
