The cricket ball used in the opening innings of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match appeared slightly pink, leaving spectators puzzled during that night.
Observers noticed the strange colour shift early in the second over, when fielders handled the ball, quickly drawing widespread attention from viewers watching closely live.
Many fans rushed online to discuss the incident, offering contrasting explanations, with some suggesting maroon clothing contact transferred dye onto the ball in that moment.
Others believed the lighting conditions inside the stadium altered the ball’s appearance on cameras, creating a pinkish illusion rather than an actual physical change clearly.
Here are some social media reactions.
Former PSL franchise Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen wrote on his social media platform X, “The Kingsmen’s maroon kit has made the ball pink.”
One of the cricket fans wrote on social media platform X, “Am I tripping, or is the ball colour in this match pink?”
According to regulations, the match ball may be replaced if either team complains to umpires, or officials independently judge it unfit due to prevailing conditions.
Despite unusual colour, reigning champions continued unaffected, compiling an imposing total of 199 for six in twenty overs through a commanding innings from Fakhar Zaman.
Fakhar led the scoring charts for Qalandars, striking 53 runs from 39 balls, including ten boundaries that anchored the innings and provided early solid momentum.
He received support from opener Mohammad Naeem, who contributed a brisk 30 off 19 deliveries, while Haseebullah Khan and Sikandar Raza further accelerated scoring later.
The wicketkeeper batter finished unbeaten on 40 from 28 balls, whereas Raza added a rapid 24 runs in just 10 deliveries to boost total overall.