Pakistan Super League – Betting Guide, Tips and Information

T20 franchise leagues have emerged as one of the faces of modern-day cricket. With almost every cricket-playing nation having its own standalone T20 franchise league, Pakistan also introduced the same in 2016, named the Pakistan Super League (PSL), organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The league has rapidly grown into one of the most competitive and commercially successful T20 tournaments globally.

The Pakistan Super League kicked off in the UAE in 2016 due to security concerns. From the following year, the league was partially played in Pakistan, with the final played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, from 2020 onwards, post the COVID fiasco, PSL was finally brought back to the country it belonged to, and since then, it has been played in Pakistan. The league holds prestige in the country and also has a global significance as it competes with rivals like the Big Bash League, SA20, Caribbean Premier League, The Hundred, Bangladesh Premier League, and Sri Lanka Premier League.

Pakistan Super League betting

Why it’s Important?

  • Prestige: PSL is Pakistan’s flagship cricketing event, showcasing elite talent emerging in the T20 pace.
  • Fan Following: With millions of passionate fans across Pakistan and the cricket fanatics, PSL enjoys brilliant TV ratings and social media buzz.
  • Betting Popularity: The league’s nature and unpredictability make it one of the best leagues for punters to bet on.
  • Talent Pipeline: PSL has produced many stars in Pakistan cricket. The likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Rizwan, etc, are some of the brightest prospects of PSL.

Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
OrganizerPakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
FormatT20 – 20 overs per side
FrequencyAnnual (Feb–March window)
Number of Teams6 Franchises (as of 2025)
Current ChampionLahore Qalandars (2025)
Most TitlesLahore Qalandars, Islamabad United – 3 titles
VenuesLahore, Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi
Foreign PlayersStars from England, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, Afghanistan, and more. No Indian player features in this league.

The Pakistan Super League – Best Betting Apps & Sites

Many sportsbooks offer betting on the Pakistan Super League. However, here are some of the best sportsbooks to consider for betting on PSL.

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Tournament Format & Structure

Talking about the format of the league, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) follows a double round-robin and knockout format:

  • League Stage: Each of the 6 teams plays the others twice, totaling 30 matches.
  • Top 4 Teams qualify for the Playoffs, which include:
    • Qualifier (1st vs 2nd)
    • Eliminator 1 (3rd vs 4th)
    • Eliminator 2 (Loser of Qualifier vs Winner of Eliminator 1)
    • Final (Winner of Qualifier vs Winner of Eliminator 2)

Typical Schedule

Check out the typical annual schedule of the PSL.

AttributeDetails
Time of YearFebruary–March (annual window)
DurationAround 4–5 weeks
Match Frequency1–2 matches per day during league stage
VenuesLahore, Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi
Final Venue (2025)Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Special Rules & Innovations

InnovationDescription
Draft SystemUnlike player auctions, which are widely used in top franchise leagues around the globe, PSL uses a player draft instead of auctions. Teams pick from Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Emerging categories.
Wildcard PicksFranchises can select one player outside their draft pool as a surprise inclusion.
Mid-Season ReplacementsInjured or unavailable players can be replaced mid-tournament with PCB approval.
Betting SyncReal-time stats and betting odds are synced with match events.

Unlike IPL’s auction model or The Hundred’s 100-ball format, PSL retains traditional T20 rules but innovates through its draft scenario.

Teams to Watch

  • Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars are the two most successful teams in PSL history.
  • Islamabad has won the elusive title thrice (2016, 2018, and 2024).
  • Lahore Qalandars have won in back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023, and also in 2025.
  • Islamabad United have also made the most appearances in a final. They have played the finals 4 times.
  • The inaugural edition in 2016 was won by Quetta Gladiators. They went on to win the 2019 edition as well.
  • Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultan, and Karachi Kings have won the title once.
  • Lahore Qalandars are the defending champions.

Betting Advice & Markets

PSL, being a T20 competition, is full of drama and excitement. The star-studded squads and month-long duration make it a boon for betting fans. Here are some of the most active and high-value markets of PSL.

MarketDescription
Match WinnerPredict which team will come out as the winner.
Top BatsmanBet on the player expected to score the most runs in a match or tournament.
Top BowlerBank on the bowler who is likely to take the most wickets.
Total RunsOver/Under bets for team innings or match totals.
Most SixesPredict which team or player will hit the most sixes.
Player PerformanceBet on all-rounders based on combined batting, bowling, and fielding points.
Powerplay ScoreBet on runs scored in the first 6 overs.
Fall of First WicketPredict the score at which the first wicket will fall.
Outright WinnerLong-term bet on which team will win the PSL title.

Format-Specific Tips – T20 Live Betting

T20s are volatile, with momentum shifting rigorously. The format is perfect for in-play betting. Here’s how to approach PSL matches:

  • Back Chasing Teams: Dew and flat pitches often favor teams batting second, especially in night games. Flat pitches mean a score of 200 is not always safe.
  • Death Overs Value: Expect over 50 runs in the final 4 overs on flat decks.
  • Venue Bias:
    • Karachi: High-scoring, batting-friendly
    • Lahore: Assists pacers early, spinners later
    • Multan: Balanced, slower surface
  • Player Matchups: Track head-to-head stats—e.g., Shaheen vs right-handers, Rashid vs middle order.
  • Momentum Swings: Odds shift rapidly after wickets or boundary bursts, making the competition ideal for ball-by-ball betting.

In-Play Betting Opportunities

Live betting rewards real-time analysis and quick decision-making:

OpportunityWhy It Works
Next Over RunsPredict runs based on bowler/batsman matchups and field settings.
Next Wicket TypeUse pitch behavior and bowling style to predict the mode of dismissal.
Live Win ProbabilityTrack momentum shifts, especially after wickets or boundary bursts.
Batsman MilestonesBet on players reaching 50s or 100s based on the current strike rate.
Bowler Economy RatePredict whether a bowler will maintain or exceed economy expectations.

Common Betting Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned punters can make mistakes. Check out some of the most important betting mistakes to avoid.

  • Ignoring Toss Impact: The nature of T20s suggests that chasing teams always have the upper hand, especially when dew is around.
  • Overvaluing Reputation: Bet based on current form, not reputation. Big names don’t always deliver.
  • Neglecting Venue Stats: Each stadium behaves differently—spin vs. pace, boundary sizes, pitch behavior.
  • Chasing Losses: Emotional betting leads to poor decisions. Stick to pre-match analysis to get a better view and bet accordingly.
  • Ignoring Team News: Late injuries or changes can drastically affect match dynamics. So, it’s better to stay updated.

The History of the Pakistan Super League

The roots of Pakistan Super League go back to 2016. So far, 10 editions have been played, and we have seen all six teams having won the title at least once. This signifies the competitiveness PSL possesses. Initially, the league was held in the UAE due to security concerns in Pakistan. Gradually, the league found its base back at home for a full season from 2020 onwards. PSL has since become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing calendar, blending international flair with local passion.

Memorable Matches

PSL 2016 Final – Islamabad vs Quetta

  • Andre Russell’s all-round brilliance helped Islamabad chase down 175 and lift the inaugural title.

PSL 2017 Final – Peshawar vs Quetta

  • First-ever PSL final on Pakistani soil. Darren Sammy’s late blitz and captaincy sealed a historic win.

PSL 2020 Final – Karachi vs Lahore

  • Babar Azam’s unbeaten 63 guided Karachi to their maiden title in a high-pressure rivalry clash.

PSL 2023 Final – Lahore vs Multan

  • Lahore won by 1 run in a last-ball thriller. Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with bat and ball.

PSL 2021 Final – Multan vs Lahore

  • Rizwan’s tactical masterclass and Usama Mir’s 4-wicket haul helped Multan reclaim the crown.

Past Winners & Records (Table Format)

Check out the past winners of the Pakistan Super League.

Year WinnerRunner-upVenue
2016Islamabad UnitedQuetta GladiatorsDubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
2017Peshawar ZalmiQuetta GladiatorsGaddafi Stadium, Lahore
2018Islamabad UnitedPeshawar ZalmiNational Stadium, Karachi
2019Quetta GladiatorsPeshawar ZalmiNational Stadium, Karachi
2020Karachi KingsLahore QalandarsNational Stadium, Karachi
2021Multan SultansPeshawar ZalmiSheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
2022Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansGaddafi Stadium, Lahore
2023Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansGaddafi Stadium, Lahore
2024Islamabad UnitedMultan SultansNational Stadium, Karachi
2025Lahore QalandarsQuetta GladiatorsGaddafi Stadium, Lahore
  • Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars lead with 3 titles each.
  • Lahore Qalandars follow with 2 titles.
  • Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, and Karachi Kings have won one each.

Top 5 run-getters in PSL history

Rank PlayerRunsMatchesInningsHighest Score
1Babar Azam3,79210098115
2Fakhar Zaman2,9649797115
3Mohammad Rizwan2,7709382110*
4Shoaib Malik2,350938873
5Rilee Rossouw2,2879589121

Top 5 wicket-takers in PSL history

Rank PlayerWicketsMatchesBest Bowling Figures
1Hasan Ali125924/15
2Shaheen Shah Afridi122845/4
3Wahab Riaz113884/17
4Shadab Khan105945/28
5Faheem Ashraf95846/19

 

Why the Pakistan Super League is Popular for Betting Fans

The PSL caters to a huge fan base in Pakistan, a country that loves its cricket. Besides Pakistan and the global diaspora, PSL is followed in the United Arab Emirates as well, making it a well-known entity. Pulsating clashes and high-intensity battles make the tournament popular among fans.

MetricRecent Data (2025)
Cumulative ReachOver 200 million viewers across platforms
Streaming PartnersDaraz, Tapmad, Tamasha, and YouTube
TV BroadcastersPTV Sports, A Sports, Ten Sports
SponsorshipsHBL, Tapal tea, Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, Jazz, KFC, and more
Fantasy Tie-insDream11, My11Circle, and local betting apps

Why Betting Interest Spikes

Here are some of the major reasons why bettors gain massive interest in the Pakistan Super League.

TriggerImpact on Betting
T20 FormatFast-paced, high variance, ideal for live and prop bets
Star PlayersBabar, Shaheen, Rizwan, Rauf, Munro, Hales—big names help in driving betting volume
Close FinishesPSL is known for high-scoring games and nail-biters.
Venue BiasKarachi favors batters; Lahore suits pacers—perfect for total and bowler bets
Toss & Dew FactorChasing advantage under lights influences pre-match odds

Fan Culture & Emotional Investment

  • City-Based Rivalries: Karachi vs Lahore, Peshawar vs Islamabad; these clashes fuel betting surges due to emotional stakes.
  • Social Media Buzz: Hashtags, memes, and live commentary drive real-time betting chatter.
  • Player Loyalty: Fans back their franchise stars with passion, influencing betting trends and fantasy picks.
  • National Pride: PSL is the premier cricket competition in Pakistan that caters to a global audience.

The PSL blends entertainment, emotion, and analytics, making it one of the most engaging T20 leagues for betting fans worldwide.

Future Outlook

  • The next edition of HBL Pakistan Super League commences from April 2026.
  • The first match is expected to be a riveting clash between the three-time champions, Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars.
  • Islamabad United is expected to be led by all-rounder Shadab Khan. Shaheen Shah Afridi will reprise his role as the skipper for Lahore Qalandars.
  • Lahore Qalandars will enter this season as the defending champions.
  • The tournament will have no expansions as the original 6 teams will be battling it out for supremacy yet again.

FAQ’s

When is the next The Pakistan Super League?

In April 2026, the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will commence. It will be a month-long tournament featuring 6 teams, i.e., Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Peshawar Zalmi.

Who has won the most titles?

Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars have the most PSL titles. Both teams have won and held the coveted title thrice. Quetta Gladiators come in at the second spot with two titles to their name. The Gladiator won the opening season in 2016, followed by a win in the 2019 edition.

Is betting on The Pakistan Super League legal in India?

Yes, it is legal in India as all the sportsbooks operated here come under the Curacao Gaming License. Many sports betting website operates under this license in India.

Which site has the best odds for The Pakistan Super League?

Multiple websites and applications list the Pakistan Super League and cover the tournament extensively with multiple odds categories. BetWinner, BETVIBE, Parimatch, Megapari, 1xBet, Dafabet are among the popular betting sites that provide the best odds for Pakistan Super League.