How unusual it is, really, that in the same part of the Indian sub continent, there are 2 T20 Leagues taking shape, one that has already begun and the other that is just about to go live underway but while the latter is making news already with its massive global reach and exceptionally high standards, the other, is making news perhaps not for the right reasons.
Which is why it’s fair to say Pakistan Super League 2026 began on a subdued note, with matches being played behind closed doors at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. In the opening game, Shaheen Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars registered a dominant 69-run win over Hyderabad Kingsmen, led by Marnus Labuschagne. Batting first, Lahore posted an imposing 199/6, powered by a fluent 53 from Fakhar Zaman, who was later named Player of the Match. In response, Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled and were bowled out for just 130.
PSL 2026 Ball turns Pink
The match also grabbed attention for an unusual moment when the ball appeared to turn pink midway through the innings. Who would have ever thought that such a thing would happen.
While the exact cause of the discoloration remains unclear, several theories emerged online, including suggestions that it resulted from players repeatedly rubbing the ball on the ground.
Others speculated that dew or surface conditions may have played a role.
The umpires eventually replaced the ball after the 15th over of the first innings, but the incident quickly went viral and became a talking point among fans. Off the field, the tournament itself has been significantly impacted by external factors.
The decision to hold the PSL without spectators comes amid the ongoing regional crisis, with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had urged citizens to limit movement due to a fuel shortage.
This has directly affected crowd attendance and logistics around the event.
Now resultantly, the tournament schedule has also been condensed, with matches now restricted to just two venues—Lahore and Karachi—instead of the originally planned six cities.
