PSL 2026: Why did the ball change colour during the Hyderabad vs Lahore match?

The first game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) saw an unusual occurrence unfold. The ball used for the Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Lahore Qalandars game turned pink in the first innings, confusing both viewers and players.

Why did the ball turn pink?

The pink tinge on the ball started to become visible as early as the second over of the game. It turns out Hyderabad’s maroon jersey was bleeding colour, which made the ball pink after the fielders rubbed it against their trousers.

According to the rules, balls under such rare instances can be changed. However, it can only happen if a player from either side complains to the umpires or the umpires themselves deem the ball unfit for play.

Ball changed after the 15th

The ball was eventually changed after the 15th over. Speaking during the post-match conference, Hyderabad’s captain Marnus Labuschagne expressed his confusion with the way the ball changed colours.

"I did say to the umpires after the second over, what's going on, the ball is red, obviously it must be from the clothes or something like that."

The game was won by Lahore Qalandars, who posted a 201-run target, which turned out to be too much to chase for the debutants. Hyderabad were all out for just 130 runs, with No. 11 batter Mohammad Ali falling on the final ball of the innings.

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