Marnus Labuschagne Mohsin Naqvi. Image Credits: PSL/AFP
The PSL 2026 opener on March 26 saw Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen fight it out against each other in a high-voltage clash. The Qalandars won the game, but Marnus Labuschagne led-Kingsmen were historically trolled and remembered for the unprecedented incident that took place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The game of T20I cricket saw the match ball white as a pearl, turn reddish pink mid-match. As baffled the spectators were, the players inside the field were curious as well, with Marnus Labuschagne shedding light on the fact in the post-match presentation, subtly critiquing the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB.
The ‘Pink’ Ball Fiasco in LHQ vs HHK PSL Match
The PSL 2026 match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen had the ball turn pinkish-reddish due to the maroon dye from Hyderabad's jersey rubbing off onto it.
As Lahore Qalandars came in to bat first, Kingsmen bowlers as well as fielders rubbed the ball on their pants, which caused a slight change of colour, forcing an unusual ball change mid-match.
It led to a special spotlight on the quality of the team's jersey, as social media didn't spare the franchise, trolling them. Marnus Labuschagne also confirmed the issue, stating that this was the first time he had witnessed such a bizarre incident.
While the Pakistan Super League is one of the biggest domestic franchise cricket tournaments in the world, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB's quality assurance comes under the limelight here, with fans questioning the integrity and quality that Hyderabad Kingsmen are delivering.
Also Read- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pitch Report, Weather Report For Karachi Kings Vs Quetta Gladiators Match 2
Marnus Labuschagne Slams Quality Of PSL 2026
Speaking after the match in a post-match press conference, Labuschagne confessed to the bizarre incident, admitting that he went to the umpire in the second over to check what was going on with the ball.
"I did say to the umpires after the second over, What’s going on? The ball is red, it must be from the clothes or something like that. I’ve never seen anything like that," Labuschagne stated.
Team Releases Official Statement
Adding to Labuschagne's confession, Hyderabad Kingsmen's official social media handle also revealed their statement on Qalandars with a sarcastic approach on March 26.
Kingsmen wrote on their X handle, "Congratulations to the opposition on winning their first pink ball game," sarcastically commenting on Qalandars' win by 69 runs as they triumphed over a worrisome Kingsmen side, who were bundled out for just 130 runs while chasing 200.
This casual banter on social media, as well as Marnus Labuschagne's comment as captain of the team, highlights the quality that PSL intends to deliver to the spectators as well as the participating teams.
The dry transfer from the jersey to the ball affected the visibility and integrity of the game, which also led to a sight issue as the ball turned a dull pink-maroon.
It became harder for batters to track the ball on the field due to the floodlights, and hence, the match was resumed after intervention and a change of ball.
Hyderabad Kingsmen Get Humiliated By Qalandars In Inaugural Match
Nevertheless, speaking of the match, Lahore opted to bat first and had a glaring start with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem, where both partnered for a solid 84 runs before Hasebullah Khan contributed another 28-ball 40.
The Marnus Labuschagne-led team were dismal from the start. Saim Ayub and Usman Khan both disappointed, with the middle order collapsing like a house of cards, with no resistance whatsoever.
Hence, Sikandar Raza, Haris Rauf, and Ubaid Shah joined hands to bundle the team for a mere 130 runs and secured their first victory in PSL 2026.
Also Read- SRH's Record At Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Before IPL 2026
