Marnus Labuschagne fights with umpire - (Source: ScreenGrab/X.com)
The final 11th edition of PSL 2026 is underway in Lahore as Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen locked horns against each other. The much-awaited final has been hit with a major controversy. Notably, Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne too lost his cool and fought with umpire over a controversial run-out.
The incident occured in the first innings when Kusal Perera was given not-out while Hyderabad Kingsmen appealed for a possible field obstruction from the bowler.
Kusal Perera' Dismissal Sparks Controversy in PSL 2026 Final
Notably, Hyderabad Kingsmen got off to the worst possible start in PSL 2026 final as the Marnus Labuschagne-led side were 73/5 after 7 overs. Kusal Perera and Saim Ayub were the last recognised pair, which is when the controversy occurred.
On the 5th ball of the 8th over, Saim Ayub played a deft touch and looked to steal a quick single. Kusal was quick to the call and ran without any hesitation.
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Now, Nahid Rana, who was the bowler, got in the way, which forced Kusal Perera to change his way, eventually resulting in him falling short of his crease. The batter protested and the umpires sent the decision upstairs for review.
Notably, the third umpire deemed no foul play there and urged the on-field umpires to stay with their decision. Marnus Labuschagne, who was in the dug-out, was not impressed by the call and slammed the umpires and even argued with them.
Talking about the match, at the time of writing this article, Saim Ayub has been Kingsmen best batter and slammed a fifty. Ayub scored 53 (48), which featured five fours and a couple of sixes.
Internet Divided Over Controversy In PSL 2026 Final
The internet was divided after the incident. A section of fans were fuming by the third umpire's decision, while the rest didn't find any foul play by Nahid Rana. Here are some of the reactions.
Hyderabad Kingsmen's Remarkable Run In PSL 2026
Hyderabad Kingsmen, who were the newest addition to PSL, got off to the worst possible start in PSL. The Marnus Labuschagne-led side lost their first four matches and were all but out of the tournament.
However, things turned around from the fifth game onwards when they registered five wins in next six matches. It was a miraculous turnaround as Kingsmen became the first team in PSL history to qualify for the playoffs after losing first four matches.
The Kingsmen went onto create more history as they beat Multan Sultans in the eliminator 1 and then scripted history by defending 6 runs in the qualifer 2 in the final over to book a place in the final in their maiden season.
Talking about the final, at the time of writing this article, the Marnus Labuschagne-led side have tumbled for just 129 runs on the board.
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