PSL 2026 starts with big controversy as white ball became pink

Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) has finally started amid various controversies, and the season opener added one more big controversy. During the tournament opener, where the defending champions Lahore Qalandars faced the tournament debutant Hyderabad Kingsmen, the first innings experienced a bizarre incident. The white ball suddenly turned into a pink ball. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars chose to bat first in the season opener, where they scored 199/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Marnus Labuschagne-led PSL debutant Hyderabad Kingsmen were all out for 130 runs in 20 overs.

During the first innings, while Lahore were batting, the ball became pink, which we can clearly see in the video. It has stunned everyone, as hardly anyone experienced it previously, especially in big professional cricket. It adds another shame to the league. The on-field umpires were forced to change the ball immediately after noticing it. 

See Also: Watch: PSL CEO takes oath from all captains ahead of PSL 2026 opener

PSL 2026 starts with chaos

PSL 2026, which has started with eight teams for the first time, has already experienced some big negativities, including no crowd, only two venues, foreign players' ditching, unimpressive foreign broadcasting, lack of sponsors, etc. During the season opener, while the white ball became pink early in the game, the broadcasting wasn't really impressive, including the pre-match show. While many failed to digest the fake fans' sound, the overall broadcasting was also unimpressive, with a lack of professionalism. 

Why does ball's colour suddenly change?

According to reports, the ball colour was changed due to the Hyderabad Kingsmen's kit. As the players rubbed the ball on their kit, the kit colour dyed on the ball. It becomes more surprising to understand that the new franchise is paying USD 6.2 million yearly, but starting with the unsettling kits, which anyone hardly experienced in professional cricket. 

Fans' reactions to ball colour change

As PSL 2026 has started with a big controversy, the ball colour change, cricket fans have brutally trolled the league and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Shortly, we can say that it is a very difficult time for Pakistan cricket, as nothing is going right for them; instead, they are facing more trouble with each passing day.