Pakistan Super League 2023/24

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is the premier professional Twenty20 cricket competition in Pakistan. Established by the Pakistan Cricket Board and launched in 2016, it operates as the country’s top-tier franchise tournament. The league features six city-based franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. These teams compete in a double round-robin group stage where every side plays each other twice. The top four teams progress to a Page playoff system comprising a Qualifier, an Eliminator, and the Final to decide the champion. Unlike regional domestic competitions such as the National T20 Cup, the PSL does not involve promotion or relegation; squad composition relies on commercial agreements and franchise ownership rather than sporting merit. The tournament is commercially known as the HBL Pakistan Super League following its sponsorship deal with Habib Bank Limited. Historically, Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars share the record for most victories, each securing three titles. In the most recent season, Lahore Qalandars claimed the championship. The competition also serves as a platform for individual achievements, with Babar Azam recognised as the highest run-scorer and Hasan Ali as the leading wicket-taker in the league’s history. While the PCB has expressed plans to expand the tournament to eight teams by 2026, the current structure remains fixed at six franchises. The league’s format places it at the apex of the domestic cricket pyramid, distinct from developmental feeder systems that operate below it.