Australia in Pakistan 2025/26

The **Pakistan Super League (PSL)** is the premier professional Twenty20 cricket competition within Pakistan. Founded by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in 2015, the inaugural season took place in 2016. It operates as a closed franchise system, meaning there is no promotion or relegation to or from the league. The competition sits above the domestic List A and First-Class structures in the national hierarchy.

Eight city-based franchises compete in the tournament: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Rawalpindi. Each side plays every other team twice during the double round-robin group stage. The top four teams then advance to the Page playoff system, which includes a Qualifier, Eliminator, and the Final to decide the champion.

**Islamabad United** and **Lahore Qalandars** are the most successful teams in the league's history, each having won three titles as of the 2025 season. The competition is officially sponsored by Habib Bank Limited, which gives the event its full title, the HBL PSL.

The league was established with the aim of bringing international cricket back to Pakistan. It features significant participation from Australian players, distinguishing it from other regional competitions. While the league traditionally played in February and March, it moved to April and May starting in 2026. The format includes unique rules such as the 'Power Surge', a second powerplay in the second innings, which sets the playing conditions apart from other Twenty20 leagues.