PSL 2026 Controversy: The Pakistan Super League just can't seem to stay away from controversy this season. Even before PSL 2026 began, several international stars had already pulled out, raising concerns.
Then came a strange moment in the opening match when the ball unexpectedly turned red mid-game.
Now, another incident has added to the chaos. This time, Lahore Qalandars have landed in trouble after being penalised for ball tampering during their clash against Karachi Kings on Sunday.
PSL 2026 Incident: What Exactly Happened on the Field
The drama unfolded right before the final over. A group of Lahore players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf, were seen gathered together, each appearing to handle the ball while the umpire watched closely.
Soon after, when Fakhar handed the ball to Rauf, the umpire stepped in and asked for it to be passed to him instead. What followed was a bit of confusion on the field, and eventually, the fourth umpire had to bring in replacement balls.
After checking, the officials concluded that the ball's condition had been changed. As a result, Lahore Qalandars were handed a five-run penalty.
Watch the controversial video:
PSL 2026 Reaction: Fans Troll Players as Social Media Explodes
The incident didn't just stay on the field. It quickly took over social media, where fans didn't hold back. Memes flooded timelines, with many poking fun at the players involved, while others openly criticised their actions. From sarcastic jokes to strong reactions, the cricketing community online has been buzzing ever since, making this one of the most talked-about moments of PSL 2026.
Check out how fans reacted to the fresh controversy:
PSL 2026: What Shaheen Afridi Said After the Match
Speaking after the game, Shaheen Afridi said he wasn't fully aware of what had happened and that the team would look at the footage before making any conclusions.
"I don't know about this. We'll check the footage and discuss it. The five-run penalty has already been given, and there's nothing we can do about it," he said.
With questions still hanging in the air, this controversy has only added more drama to an already eventful PSL 2026 season.