Cricket fans have seen plenty of unusual moments over the years but this one might top the list. During the opening match of the Pakistan Super League, something truly unexpected grabbed attention and it had nothing to do with batting or bowling.
As Lahore Qalandars faced Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, the white cricket ball began to change colour just a few overs into the game. To everyone’s surprise, it slowly picked up a reddish shade, leaving players as well as viewers confused.
Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne was clearly puzzled and immediately checked with the umpires after noticing the unusual change. The situation looked strange at first, raising questions about what could have caused it.
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However, the explanation turned out to be simple rather than controversial. It was later understood that the colour likely came from the Kingsmen players’ maroon jerseys. While polishing the ball during play, some of the dye seems to have rubbed off onto it, causing the unexpected red tint.
Marnus Labuschagne later shared that he had never witnessed anything like this before. While it’s common for the ball to pick up marks from bats or pads, seeing it change colour due to clothing was completely new. He remained confident that such issues would be addressed in upcoming matches.
Apart from this odd incident, the PSL has also introduced an important new rule this season. Teams can now submit two possible playing XIs before the toss and finalise their lineup afterward. This change is particularly relevant in subcontinent conditions, where dew during night matches often gives an advantage to the team batting second, making the toss a crucial factor.
The rule aims to create a fairer contest but for now, it’s the colour-changing ball that everyone is talking about.
