PSL 2026 Winner Prediction | Odds & Analysis

Last updated: 27 April 2026 · League phase complete. Peshawar Zalmi topped the table at 17pts (8-1-1, NRR +2.324) — only undefeated side in regulation. Islamabad United 2nd at 13pts (6-3-1). Multan Sultans 3rd at 12pts (6-4). Hyderabad Kingsmen 4th at 10pts (5-5, NRR -0.361). LQ/KK/QG/RW eliminated. Q1 PZ vs IU at Karachi 28 Apr; E1 MS vs HK at Gaddafi 29 Apr; Final 3 May.

PSL 11 expanded to 8 teams for the first time — Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans (new ownership consortium) joined; the old Multan side rebranded as Rawalpindi Pindiz with Mohammad Rizwan. The league phase ran 26 March to 26 April; the playoffs run 28 April to 3 May, with the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

All 40 league matches complete; the playoff bracket is locked. Peshawar Zalmi topped the table at 8-1-1 (17 points, NRR +2.324) — the only side undefeated in regulation. The headline performance was Babar Azam’s 100* off 52 against Quetta Gladiators on 19 April (PZ 255/3, won by 118 runs) — Babar’s first T20 hundred in 67 innings, the fastest century in PSL history, and the first of three he posted across the league phase. Islamabad United finished 2nd at 6-3-1 (13 points, NRR +1.667), sealing the seed with a 4-wicket chase of Multan on 26 April (Mark Chapman 69* off 33). Multan Sultans are 3rd at 6-4 (12 points) after losing two consecutive league games — they enter Eliminator 1 instead of Qualifier 1 against expectations. Hyderabad Kingsmen sealed 4th at 5-5 (10 points, NRR -0.361) in their debut season with a 108-run thrashing of Rawalpindi (Maxwell 70 off 37, Hunain Shah 4/22 PoM). Lahore Qalandars missed the cut at 5-5 (NRR -0.482) — title defence over. Kusal Mendis (PZ) ended the league phase as Green Cap leading scorer at 500 runs (average 62.50, SR 170.64), ahead of Babar (485, three centuries) and Fakhar Zaman (401). Sufiyan Muqeem (PZ) took the maroon cap with 19 wickets (economy 7.47).

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📊 April 27 — Playoff Bracket Locked

🏆 PZ topped the league at 8-1-1, 17pts, NRR +2.324: Only side undefeated in regulation. Babar Azam scored three centuries — including his fastest off 52 balls vs QG on 19 April (PZ 255/3, won by 118 runs). Mendis ended Green Cap at 500 runs, Muzeem maroon cap at 19 wickets.

🏆 IU sealed 2nd seed with chase of MS (26 April): Chapman 69* off 33 anchored an 8-balls-to-spare chase of 193 at Karachi. IU finish 6-3-1 (13pts, NRR +1.667) and play PZ in Qualifier 1 on 28 April — winner straight to the final.

🏆 HK qualify 4th with 108-run thrashing of RWP (26 April): Maxwell 70 off 37, Usman Khan 54 off 26, Perera 50* off 30. RWP 136 ao chasing 245. Hunain Shah 4/22 PoM. HK's debut season delivers their first ever PSL playoff appearance — face MS at Gaddafi on 29 April.

📊 Final League Standings: PZ 17pts (8-1-1, NRR +2.324). IU 13pts (6-3-1, NRR +1.667). MS 12pts (6-4, NRR +0.326). HK 10pts (5-5, NRR -0.361). LQ 10pts (5-5, NRR -0.482, eliminated). KK 10pts (5-5, NRR -0.869, eliminated). QG 6pts (3-7). RWP 2pts (1-9).

📊 Tomorrow (28 April): Qualifier 1 PZ vs IU at National Stadium Karachi. Winner goes direct to the final.

📊 Playoff bracket: Q1 PZ vs IU at National Stadium Karachi (28 Apr) — winner direct to final. E1 MS vs HK at Gaddafi (29 Apr) — loser eliminated. E2 (Q1 loser vs E1 winner) at Gaddafi (1 May). Final at Gaddafi (3 May).

📁 Apr 13 (archived): HK beat ISU by 6 wkts. PZ at 9pts (4-0-1) clear top. MS 8pts. ISU 7pts. KK 6pts. QG/HK/LQ 4pts. RWP 0-5. PZ vs MS later that night.

📁 Apr 9-10: ISU crush LQ by 9 wkts (LQ 100ao, Conway 59*). PZ beat HK by 4 wkts. ISU surge to 2nd on 7pts. LQ drop to 5th (2-2). Fakhar ban over.

📁 Apr 6-7: MS crush RWP by 7 wkts (Farhan 68, Philippe 56, Akram 4/31). Naseem Shah ruled out (side strain). MS clear top on 8pts.

📁 Matches 9-13 (Apr 2-5): Fakhar ban confirmed (appeal dismissed). ISU win 2 straight (Minhas 82*, 70). LQ beat MS without Fakhar (Naeem 60, rain-reduced). KK stay unbeaten 3/3 (Azam Khan 74). MS beat QG (Smith 53, Nawaz 3/30).

📁 Apr 2 update: Fakhar Zaman banned 2 matches. MS beat HK (Farhan 106*). IU vs PZ washed out. KK shortened to 4.33. IU @ 7.50 best value.

📁 March 30 update: KK beat LQ by 4 wkts (Match 6) amid ball tampering controversy — Fakhar scuffed ball, 5 penalty runs awarded. QG beat HK by 40 runs (Match 5, Abrar 3/23). LQ odds drifted from 2.96 to 4.50.

🏏 March 29 — Matches 3 & 4

🏆 PZ chase 215 vs Rawalpindi (Match 3): Highest successful chase in PSL history at Gaddafi Stadium. Mohammad Haris 47, Babar Azam 39, Bracewell 35*. PZ win by 5 wickets.

🏆 MS beat IU (Match 4): Josh Philippe 55, Ashton Turner 43* led the chase of 172. Australians starring for the new franchise.

📊 March 27 — PSL 2026 Is Underway

🏏 Lahore win opener by 69 runs: Fakhar Zaman 53(39) led the way as Lahore posted 199/6 and bowled out Hyderabad Kingsmen for 130. Haris Rauf 2/22, Sikandar Raza 2/27. Defending champions start strong.

📊 Odds have shifted: Lahore now 5.50 (PartyCasino). Karachi Kings shortened to 6.00. Quetta and Islamabad both at 7.00. Hyderabad priced at 8.00, Rawalpindi (Pindiz) at 9.00.

🏥 Key injuries: Hussain Talat (Lahore, dislocated shoulder — out 12-14 weeks), Ali Shabbir (Lahore, fracture — 4-6 weeks), Max Bryant (Islamabad — ruled out, replaced by Chris Green), Zaman Khan (Rawalpindi — shoulder, replaced by Jalat Khan).

🔄 Replacements: Usman Khawaja joins Rawalpindi Pindiz (replacing Laurie Evans). Maheesh Theekshana and Kusal Perera added to Hyderabad squad. Chris Green in for Max Bryant at Islamabad.

⚠️ IPL poaching: Muzarabani withdrew from Islamabad United to join KKR in IPL (₹75 lakh base price, but a 106% raise over his PSL contract). Spencer Johnson left Quetta for CSK. PCB considering legal action. PSL-IPL overlap creating player tension.

📁 Earlier updates (Mar 19 & before): Australian travel advisory resolved — all 14 Aussie players participating. Auction completed Feb 11 (first-ever PSL auction). Muzarabani withdrew from IU to join KKR (IPL). Spencer Johnson left QG for CSK. Full pre-tournament details in team cards below.

PSL 2026 trophy surrounded by fireworks and laser lights in a packed cricket stadium - who will win the Pakistan Super League?
PSL 2026 runs March 26 – May 3 across Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Karachi, Multan, and Peshawar

How to Use This Guide

The first-ever PSL auction was held on February 11. Squads are finalised. Bookmaker outright odds are expected to launch shortly. Our trigger prices tell you exactly when to bet:

How Our Trigger Prices Work

1. We calculate each team's WIN PROBABILITY based on title history, squad strength, and form

2. From that, we derive FAIR ODDS (100 ÷ probability)

3. The TRIGGER PRICE adds an 8% buffer for value

Example: Lahore Qalandars

30%

Our Probability

3.33

Fair Odds

3.60+

Trigger Price

Bookmaker offers 3.80 → BACK (value)
Bookmaker offers 3.20 → SKIP (too short)

When odds release, we’ll update this page with actual edge calculations. For now, these trigger prices tell you exactly when to bet.

Our Probability Model: All 8 Teams

Win probabilities vs actual bookmaker odds. Green indicates value bets where our model exceeds market pricing.

TeamWin ProbFair OddsMarket OddsEdgeAction
Peshawar Zalmi48%2.081.90-2.30-9% to +10%🎯 PRIMARY PICK (top seed, two paths to final, take 2.20+)
Islamabad United24%4.173.00-3.75-28% to -10%Priced (#2 seed, NRR +1.667 — pre-tournament 7.50 call closed CLV+)
Multan Sultans18%5.565.00-7.00-10% to +26%Outsider value (#3 seed, four-time PSL finalists, take 6.50+)
Lahore Qalandars0%N/AN/AEliminated (5-5, NRR -0.482 — title defence over)
Hyderabad Kingsmen10%10.008.00-12.00-17% to +25%Dark horse (#4 seed, debut franchise first ever PSL playoff, take 10.00+)
Karachi Kings0%N/AN/AEliminated (5-5, NRR -0.869 — missed top-4 on net run rate)
Quetta Gladiators0%N/AN/AEliminated (3-7, 6pts)
Rawalpindi Pindiz0%200+N/AMathematically eliminated (1-8)

Odds as of April 27, 2026 (league phase complete, playoff bracket locked). Peshawar Zalmi 8-1-1, NRR +2.324 — outright favourite at 1.90-2.30 as #1 seed with two paths to the final. Islamabad United 6-3-1 (NRR +1.667) shortened to 3.00-3.75 as #2 seed. Multan Sultans 6-4 (NRR +0.326) at 5.00-7.00 as #3 seed dropped into Eliminator 1. Hyderabad Kingsmen 5-5 (NRR -0.361) at 8.00-12.00 — debut franchise dark horse. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars eliminated. The pre-tournament ISU @ 7.50 call closed CLV+. New live value: HK at 10.00+ if your bracket model has them above 10%.

Our Recommendations

Peshawar Zalmi

Our Pick

Peshawar Zalmi

48%

Win Prob

2.08

Fair Odds

1.90-2.30

Market Range

Topped the league at 8-1-1, NRR +2.324 — the only side undefeated in regulation. Locked into the #1 seed and Qualifier 1 on 28 April at Karachi vs Islamabad — the winner goes direct to the final, the loser drops to Q2. Two paths to the final make PZ structurally favoured even before talent is priced in. Babar scored three centuries in the league phase including the fastest in PSL history off 52 balls. Mendis ended Green Cap at 500 runs, Muqeem maroon cap at 19 wickets. At 2.30 (top of bookmaker range) edge is roughly +10%; at 1.90 the price is meaningfully short. Take 2.20+ where available.

Islamabad United

Closed — Rec Achieved

Islamabad United @ 7.50 → 4.50

CLV+

Result

24%

Updated Prob

3.00-3.75

Today's Odds

Pre-tournament call at 7.50 has been validated and closed. Islamabad finished 6-3-1 at 13pts (NRR +1.667) as the #2 seed and the market shortened them all the way to 3.00-3.75 — even further than our model predicted. The position is still open if you took 7.50; new stakes against our updated 24% true line have -10% to -28% edge at the current market. No new stake recommended.

Lahore Qalandars

Closed — Underperformed

Lahore Qalandars @ 5.00

CLV-

Result

7%

Updated Prob

12-15

Today's Range

Pre-tournament call at 5.00 did not play out — LQ finished 5-5 (NRR -0.482) and missed the top-4 by 0.121 on net run rate. Title defence over. Updated model at 0%. Negative closing-line value, position closed.

Fade

Hyderabad & Multan Sultans (New)

4%

Combined

50+

Min Trigger

New franchises historically struggle. Zero retained players. Untested management. Late draft picks. Gujarat Titans (IPL 2022) are the rare exception. Don't touch under 50.00 for Hyderabad or 80.00 for Multan Sultans.

Trigger prices calculated as fair odds × 1.08 to ensure minimum 8% expected value. Learn more about value betting in our guide.

Team-by-Team Analysis

Lahore Qalandars

Lahore Qalandars

ELIMINATED

Defending Champions

Defending champions eliminated — finished 5-5 (NRR -0.482), missed top-4 by 0.121 on net run rate.

Final state (Apr 26): 5W 5L from 10 matches, 10pts, NRR -0.482. Hyderabad Kingsmen took the 4th seed at NRR -0.361. The defining final-day moment was the Gaddafi six-wicket chase of Peshawar (Bracewell 83, Babar 59) — a win that brought LQ level on points with HK and KK but not high enough on NRR. Title defence over.

Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi — only player to captain 3 PSL title wins

2025 Final: Chased 202 vs Quetta with 1 ball to spare. Kusal Perera 62* (31). Shaheen 3/24.

Retained: Shaheen Afridi (Rs 7 Cr), Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique

Auction buys: Fakhar Zaman (Rs 7.95 Cr), Haris Rauf (Rs 7.6 Cr), Usama Mir, Mohammad Hasnain

Direct signing: Mustafizur Rahman

Trigger: Back at 3.60+

Risk: Target of every team. Heavy workload on Shaheen across formats.

Islamabad United

Islamabad United

24% WIN PROB

3x Champions

2nd seed at 6-3-1, NRR +1.667. Plays Peshawar in Qualifier 1 at Karachi 28 April.

Final league state (Apr 26): 6W 3L 1NR from 10 matches, 13pts. Sealed the seed by chasing Multan's 192 with 8 balls to spare on 26 April — Mark Chapman 69* off 33 the match-winner. Also crushed HK by 8 wickets on 24 April (HK 80 ao, IU 83/2 in 6.4 overs). Pre-tournament value call from 7.50 closed CLV+.

Captain: Shadab Khan — leg-spin all-rounder, proven leader

Titles: 2016 (inaugural), 2018, 2024 — joint most with Lahore

Retained: Shadab Khan (Rs 7 Cr), Andries Gous, Salman Irshad

Auction buys: Faheem Ashraf (Rs 8.5 Cr), Mark Chapman, Mehran Mumtaz

Direct signing: Devon Conway — NZ's WC star, adds reliable top-order batting

Squad changes: Released Shamar Joseph (Feb 12). Signed Muzarabani, but he withdrew (Mar 13) to join KKR at ₹75 lakh — PCB considering legal action. Max Bryant also ruled out (injury) — replaced by Chris Green. Now relying on Gleeson and Imad Wasim. Pace depth is thin.

Current odds: 3.00-3.75 — market has shortened from 7.50 all the way to ~3.30 after IU finished 2nd seed at 13pts. Updated model 24% gives a meaningfully negative edge at the current price. Pre-tournament call closed for closing-line value (+).

Position status: Pre-tournament rec at 7.50 closed (CLV+). No new stake at 4.50.

Risk: Lost Muzarabani to IPL, Max Bryant to injury earlier in the season. Two replacements deep into a squad they reshuffled. The market has now caught up — at 3.00-3.75 there's no longer pricing edge, and Q1 vs PZ is a coin-flip if you trust the bracket model.

Quetta Gladiators

Quetta Gladiators

ELIMINATED

2025 Finalists

Eliminated. Finished 3-7, 6 points, 7th place.

Final state (Apr 26): 3W 7L from 10 matches, 6pts. The campaign closed with a 9-wicket loss to Karachi at Gaddafi on 25 April (KK chased with 9 balls remaining). Earlier setbacks: bowled out for 137 chasing 256 vs PZ on 19 April (Babar 100*), lost by 9 runs to LQ on 21 April. Franchise resets for PSL 12.

Retained: Abrar Ahmed (Rs 7 Cr), Usman Tariq, Hassan Nawaz

Direct signing: Alzarri Joseph (West Indies) — replaced Spencer Johnson who withdrew for personal reasons

Auction buys: Rilee Rossouw, Tom Curran (ENG, all-rounder), Shamyl Hussain

2025 run: Reached final after several poor seasons. Hassan Nawaz (76 in final) was standout.

Position status: Pre-tournament dark horse call retired. No live value at any price — playoff path requires a sweep.

Risk: 2025 final loss may affect confidence. Still rebuilding.

🏏

Rawalpindi

0% WIN PROB

Replaces Multan Sultans

Finished bottom at 1-9, 2 points. Inaugural season under the rebrand has been a struggle.

Final state (Apr 26): 1W 9L from 10 matches, 2pts, NRR worst in the league. The campaign ended with a 108-run thrashing by Hyderabad Kingsmen on 26 April (RWP 136 ao chasing 245). The single highlight remained the 23 April shock win over Islamabad (Rizwan POTM). Naseem Shah was stretchered off in that match with a knee injury — fitness for the offseason unknown. Franchise will rebuild around Rizwan and the returning pace unit for PSL 12.

Captain: Mohammad Rizwan (retained, Rs 5.6 Cr) — Pakistan's Mr. Consistent

Context: Multan Sultans rebranded to Rawalpindi after ownership change. Rizwan stays as the franchise's core player.

Key auction buys: Naseem Shah (Rs 8.65 Cr — most expensive at auction), Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir

Retained: Rizwan, Sam Billings

🏥 Naseem Shah update: Recovered from the side strain that ruled him out earlier in the season, returned briefly on 23 April vs ISU and bowled two overs before twisting his knee while fielding. Stretchered off; status unconfirmed at time of writing. Their most expensive signing has now had two separate injury setbacks in PSL 2026.

Position status: Mathematically eliminated. No bet at any price.

Result: 1-8 record, mathematically eliminated. Inaugural season under the Rawalpindi rebrand has not produced wins. Focus shifts to building for PSL 12.

Peshawar Zalmi

Peshawar Zalmi

48% WIN PROB

2017 Champions

Topped the league at 8-1-1, 17pts, NRR +2.324 — the only side undefeated in regulation.

Final league state (Apr 26): 8W 1L 1NR from 10 matches, 17pts. Locked into the #1 seed with the league's best NRR. Plays Islamabad in Qualifier 1 at Karachi 28 April — the winner goes direct to the final. Babar Azam scored three centuries in the league phase, including his fastest off 52 balls vs QG on 19 April (PZ 255/3, won by 118 runs). Kusal Mendis ended the league phase as Green Cap leading scorer at 500 runs (avg 62.50, SR 170.64). Sufiyan Muqeem took the maroon cap with 19 wickets at economy 7.47.

Captain: Babar Azam — world-class batter, Pakistan captain

Retained: Babar Azam (Rs 7 Cr), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad

Direct signing: Aaron Hardie (Australia) — all-rounder

Auction buys: Iftikhar Ahmed, Kusal Mendis, James Vince, Michael Bracewell

2025: 5th place. Struggled for consistency.

Position status: Our primary pick at 2.20+. Outright odds 1.90-2.30.

Risk: Playoff variance — even the #1 seed can lose Q1, then Q2, then Final. The model accounts for this with a 48% title probability despite the 8-1-1 league record. The form is real but the knockout format is unforgiving.

Karachi Kings

Karachi Kings

ELIMINATED

2020 Champions

Eliminated. Finished 5-5 (NRR -0.869), 6th place — missed top-4 on net run rate.

Final state (Apr 26): 5W 5L from 10 matches, 10pts. Beat Quetta by 9 wickets on 25 April but the NRR math left them outside the top four despite ending level on points with Lahore (-0.482) and Hyderabad (-0.361). Earlier highlights: 5-wicket chase of 200 vs LQ on 23 April; Warner and Moeen contributed in patches. Franchise will reset for PSL 12.

Retained: Hassan Ali (Rs 4.76 Cr), Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi

Auction buys: David Warner (Rs 7.9 Cr), Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Adam Zampa

Direct signing: Moeen Ali

Note: Saim Ayub moved to Hyderabad. Warner and Moeen bring international experience.

Position status: Outsider for top-4. No live value call — needs late-season miracles.

Risk: Squad needs overhaul. Warner alone can't fix structural issues.

New Franchises: Hyderabad Kingsmen & Multan Sultans (new franchise)

Two new teams join PSL for the first time in 2026. Squads finalised via the February 11 auction.

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Owner: FKS Group (Fawad Sarwar)

  • Retained: Saim Ayub (Rs 12.6 Cr — highest retention), Usman Khan
  • Direct signing: Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
  • Auction buys: Kusal Perera, Irfan Khan Niazi, Riley Meredith
  • Captain: Marnus Labuschagne (appointed March 2026)
  • Star power: Saim Ayub is Pakistan's most exciting young batter. Labuschagne adds class.

Win Prob: 10% | Final state: 5-5 (10pts, NRR -0.361, #4 seed). Sealed the last playoff spot with a 108-run thrashing of Rawalpindi on 26 April (Maxwell 70 off 37). First ever PSL playoff appearance.

Multan Sultans (new franchise)

Owner: CD Ventures (Gohar Shah) — rebranded from Sialkot Stallionz

  • Retained: Mohammad Nawaz (Rs 6.16 Cr), Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal
  • Direct signing: Steve Smith (Australia) — massive marquee
  • Captain: Ashton Turner (Australia, PKR 4.2 Cr)
  • Auction buys: Josh Philippe, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi
  • Coach: Tim Paine (head coach)
  • Analysis: Strong Aussie contingent. Smith and Turner bring international experience. Shamsi + Nawaz give a strong spin pairing.

Win Prob: 18% | Final state: 6-4 (12pts, NRR +0.326, #3 seed). Lost final two league games (HK on 22 Apr, IU on 26 Apr) — dropped from 2nd to 3rd into Eliminator 1. Plays HK at Gaddafi on 29 April. Market 5.00-7.00.

Update on the new-franchise thesis:

Our pre-tournament view was bearish — most new T20 franchises struggle in year one. Both new franchises beat the curse: Multan Sultans (new ownership) finished 3rd at 6-4 with playoff pedigree intact, and Hyderabad Kingsmen sealed 4th at 5-5 in their debut season. MS dropped from 2nd to 3rd after losing the last two league games (HK on 22 Apr, IU on 26 Apr). HK qualified with a 108-run thrashing of Rawalpindi on 26 April. The takeaway: rosters with strong international backbones and experienced captains (Turner / Smith / Masood for MS, Labuschagne / Maxwell for HK) outperformed the historical baseline. Both face Eliminator 1 at Gaddafi on 29 April; the loser is out.

The Dew Factor: Why Chasing Wins in Pakistan

Understanding Pakistan’s unique conditions matters for PSL betting.

The data: Chasing teams win ~65% of night matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (PSL’s primary venue with 15 of 44 matches).

Why it matters:

  • Heavy evening dew sets in during the second innings
  • Ball becomes slippery, bowlers cannot grip it
  • Spinners become ineffective
  • Batting becomes significantly easier

Betting implication: Teams that win the toss overwhelmingly choose to bowl first. If you’re backing a team to win the title, they need to be strong chasers.

Best chasers: Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars have the best chase records. This is a key factor in their championship success.

Auction Recap: February 11, 2026

The first-ever PSL auction replaced the draft system used since 2016. Key takeaways:

Format: Each franchise had a purse of Rs 450 million (extendable to Rs 505 million for one direct overseas signing). Teams retained 3-4 players before entering the auction.

Most expensive buys:

PlayerTeamPrice
Naseem ShahRawalpindiRs 8.65 Cr
Faheem AshrafIslamabad UnitedRs 8.5 Cr
Fakhar ZamanLahore QalandarsRs 7.95 Cr
David WarnerKarachi KingsRs 7.9 Cr
Haris RaufLahore QalandarsRs 7.6 Cr

Key direct signings: Mustafizur Rahman (Lahore), Devon Conway (Islamabad), Steve Smith (Multan Sultans), Glenn Maxwell (Hyderabad), Moeen Ali (Karachi), Alzarri Joseph (Quetta — replaced Spencer Johnson who withdrew), Aaron Hardie (Peshawar).

Biggest surprise: Saim Ayub (Pakistan’s hottest young talent) was retained by Hyderabad Kingsmen for Rs 12.6 Cr, the highest retention in PSL history. Many expected him to stay at Karachi.

Odds update: Multiple bookmakers have opened outright markets. Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators are joint favorites at 3.75, suggesting the market believes auction activity favored these teams over pre-tournament favorites Lahore Qalandars.

PSL 2026 Title History

YearChampionRunner-upVenue
2025Lahore QalandarsQuetta GladiatorsLahore
2024Islamabad UnitedMultan SultansKarachi
2023Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansLahore
2022Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansLahore
2021Multan SultansPeshawar ZalmiAbu Dhabi
2020Karachi KingsLahore QalandarsKarachi
2019Quetta GladiatorsPeshawar ZalmiKarachi
2018Islamabad UnitedPeshawar ZalmiKarachi
2017Peshawar ZalmiQuetta GladiatorsLahore
2016Islamabad UnitedQuetta GladiatorsDubai

Key insight: Only Lahore Qalandars have won back-to-back titles (2022-23). They’re the form team of modern PSL. For the latest PSL news and analysis on Wisden, including auction reactions and squad assessments.

PSL 2026 Predictions FAQ

Who will win PSL 2026?

Our probability model gives Peshawar Zalmi a 48% chance to win PSL 2026. They topped the league at 8-1-1 (NRR +2.324) and play Islamabad United in Qualifier 1 at Karachi on 28 April — the winner advances directly to the final. Islamabad United 24% (2nd seed at 6-3-1, NRR +1.667). Multan Sultans 18% (3rd seed at 6-4, four-time PSL finalists). Hyderabad Kingsmen 10% (4th seed in their debut season — first ever PSL playoff, narrowest path to the final). Defending champions Lahore Qalandars eliminated.

What are the current PSL 2026 betting odds?

Peshawar Zalmi are clear outright favourites at 1.90-2.30 as the #1 playoff seed. Islamabad United have shortened to 3.00-3.75 as the #2 seed after sealing 2nd place with a 4-wicket chase of MS on 26 April. Multan Sultans 5.00-7.00 — four-time PSL finalists, 3rd seed, dropped into Eliminator 1. Hyderabad Kingsmen 8.00-12.00 — debut franchise, 4th seed, ride in on a 108-run thrashing of Rawalpindi to qualify. The pre-tournament ISU @ 7.50 call closed CLV+; the SRH-style "Cummins value read" never applied to PSL — best live value now is HK at 10.00+ for upset upside.

Should I back Lahore Qalandars now?

Lahore are eliminated. They finished the league phase at 5-5 (10pts, NRR -0.482) and missed the top-4 cut on net run rate — Hyderabad Kingsmen took the 4th seed at NRR -0.361. The defending champions' final-day chase of Peshawar at Gaddafi (Bracewell 83, Babar 59) brought them level on points with HK and KK but the NRR math left them outside. Our model gives them 0% to win the title. Title defence over.

Should I bet on new teams Hyderabad or Multan Sultans?

Multan Sultans finished 3rd at 6-4 (12pts) — four-time PSL finalists with playoff pedigree, but enter Eliminator 1 off two consecutive losses (HK on 22 Apr, IU on 26 Apr). Outright shortened to 5.00-7.00. Hyderabad Kingsmen qualified 4th in their debut season with a 108-run thrashing of Rawalpindi on 26 April (Maxwell 70 off 37, Hunain Shah 4/22 PoM). NRR -0.361 edged out LQ (-0.482) and KK (-0.869). Outright 8.00-12.00 — the dark horse with knockout-cricket variance on their side.

How many teams are in PSL 2026?

PSL 11 expands to 8 teams for the first time. Two new franchises: Hyderabad Kingsmen (FKS Group) and Multan Sultans (new franchise) (new ownership consortium). Rawalpindi replaces Multan Sultans after an ownership change.

When does PSL 2026 start?

PSL 2026 runs March 26 to May 3, 2026, with the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. 44 matches across 6 venues: Lahore (15), Rawalpindi (11), Faisalabad (7), Karachi (6), Multan (4), and Peshawar (1).

Which teams have won PSL titles?

Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United lead with 3 titles each. Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Multan Sultans have 1 title each. Only Lahore have won back-to-back (2022-23).

What happened to Multan Sultans?

Multan Sultans have been replaced by Rawalpindi for PSL 2026 following an ownership change. Mohammad Rizwan remains as captain of the Rawalpindi franchise. Naseem Shah was the most expensive buy at the Feb 11 auction (Rs 8.65 Cr).

Our Prediction

Peshawar Zalmi to Win PSL 2026

Topped the league at 8-1-1, NRR +2.324, locked into the #1 seed for Qualifier 1 on 28 April vs Islamabad. At 2.20 or better the price has small positive value against our 48% model. Two paths to the final from #1 seed.

48%

Win Prob

2.08

Fair Odds

2.20+

Take At

May 3

Final Date

Summary

  • Primary: Peshawar Zalmi — #1 seed, model 48% vs market 1.90-2.30. Take 2.20+ where available.
  • Closed Position: Pre-tournament ISU @ 7.50 call closed (CLV+) — market shortened all the way to 3.00-3.75 after IU sealed the #2 seed at 13pts.
  • Surprise of the Season: Multan Sultans (new franchise) at 4.33-5.50 — have run themselves into the #2 seed against the new-franchise base rate.
  • Avoid: Rawalpindi Pindiz (mathematically eliminated at 1-8). QG (3-6, would need sweep). The bubble three (LQ/HK/KK) carry too much playoff variance for value.
  • Tournament: March 26 – May 3, 2026 | 8 teams | 44 matches

Bookmark this page. Updated daily during PSL 2026 with match results, odds movement, and value analysis.

Analysis updated April 27, 2026. League phase complete: PZ topped at 17pts (8-1-1, NRR +2.324). Playoff bracket: Q1 PZ vs IU at Karachi 28 Apr; E1 MS vs HK at Gaddafi 29 Apr; E2 1 May; Final 3 May at Gaddafi. Outright PZ 1.90-2.30, IU 3.00-3.75, MS 5.00-7.00, HK 8.00-12.00. Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. For more on betting legality in India, see our legal guide.