Embarrassment for PSL as Labuschagne left baffled by low quality jersey turning ball pink

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) had a controversial start on their opening day after an incident saw the regular white ball turn pink during the first match of the season due to colour transfer from the Hyderabad Kingsmen’s jerseys. The issue, noted as a first-time occurrence by Marnus Labuschagne which quickly drew attention on social media.

The PSL began its 2026 season on March 26, but controversy struck in the opening game itself. The clash between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore unexpectedly turned into what fans described as a pink-ball contest. The Hyderabad Kingsmen captain alerted the umpires that the ball was changing colour, explaining that dye from his team’s jerseys was rubbing off onto the white ball, gradually turning it pink and later reddish.

I did say to the umpires after the second over, Whats going on? The ball is red. It must be from the clothes or something like that. I havent seen anything like this before, a baffled Labuschagne told reporters at the post-match press conference.

Ive seen occasions where something on a bat comes onto the ball, or when it hits the pad and takes a bit of paint off. But Ive never seen this happen with clothing. Im sure theyll sort it out in the next few games, he added.

After the conclusion of the match the Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a cheeky post on X after their poor kit jersey turned the match into a pink-ball contest.

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