PSL 2026: Teams permitted to submit two playing XIs, finalise one after toss
PSL captains' photoshoot (Source: PCB)
Published - 27 Mar 2026, 08:47 AM• Read time - 2 mins
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has implemented a change in the playing conditions, allowing the teams to submit two sheets of playing XIs before the toss and finalise one of them after it. The new rule was enforced in the first match of the season between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen on Thursday, March 26.
The particular clause - 1.2.1 Nomination and Replacement of Players - that has been amended now reads as under,
"Before the toss, each captain may submit two (2) different XI lineups in writing to the PSL Match Referee. Each lineup must include 11 players and a maximum of 4 substitute fielders (subject to Clause 1.2.5). After the toss, each captain must finalise one of the two submitted lineups by signing the selected team sheet. Once the final lineup has been nominated, no player listed in the selected playing eleven may be changed before the start of the match without the consent of the opposing captain."
The reasoning behind the latest change is to counter the effects of dew in the evening matches which can be substantial on some occasions. The move is aimed at providing a balance between the teams as they can add an extra batter or bowler depending on the potential conditions and their tactics.
The ball turns pink in PSL opener
In an unusual occurrence in the first match, the ball started to turn pink in the second innings. The cause of it appeared to be the pads of the Kingsmen which are maroon and the ball began taking their colour gradually. So much so that, Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne observed the colour change happening by the second over of the chase itself and reported the matter to the umpires.
"I did say to the umpires after the second over, 'What's going on? The ball is all red'. Obviously, it must be from the clothes or something like that. I have not seen anything like that [before], but I have seen the ball take colour from the paint of the pads or from something off the bat. I am sure we will sort it out before our next game on Sunday," said Labuschagne in the post-match press conference.
Notably, Labuschagne revealed that the umpires did not ask the team to change their kit colour for the subsequent matches.
