The race for the playoff spots in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) is already heating up, with the tournament going past the halfway stage.
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, is the only team that is through to the playoffs so far, with 7 wins from 8 games so far. Three spots remain, and it is a battle between five other teams to secure the spots. The most favourites to take two spots are Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi Kings, and Lahore Qalandars will be fighting for the two spots left.
PSL 2026 points table (April 22)
| Rank | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSZ (Q) | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 17 | +2.645 |
| 2 | MS | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 12 | +0.450 |
| 3 | ISU | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 9 | +1.481 |
| 4 | HYDK | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | -0.367 |
| 5 | LHQ | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | -0.503 |
| 6 | QTG | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 6 | -0.355 |
| 7 | KRK | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 | -1.292 |
| 8 | RWP (E) | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | -1.647 |
PSL 2026 Playoff Qualification Scenarios
Multan Sultans (MS)
Multan Sultans are currently second on the points table with 6 wins and 3 losses from 9 matches. They have a net run-rate of +0.450. In order to qualify for the PSL 2026 playoffs, MS will have to win their remaining game against Islamabad United n April 26.
Remaining matches:
| Match No. | Date | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Apr 26 | ISU | Islamabad United |
Islamabad United (IU)
Islamabad United, led by Shadab Khan, are currently 3rd on the PSL 2026 points table with 4 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no result from 7 games. Like MS, they have to win at least 2 out of 3 remaining games in order to make it to the PSL 2026 playoffs.
| Match No. | Date | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | Apr 23 | RWP | Rawalpindiz |
| 36 | Apr 24 | HYDK | Hyderabad Kingsmen |
| 40 | Apr 26 | MS | Multan Sultans |
Quetta Gladiators (QTG)
Quetta Gladiators are virtually out. They had to win their remaining two, to be under any sort of consideration. They are currently positioned fifth on the PSL 11 points table with 6 points to their name.
| Match No. | Date | Team Code | Team Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37th Match | Apr 25 | KRK | Karachi Kings |
Lahore Qalandars (LHQ)
Lahore Qalandars have marched ahead to the fourth position, with 4 wins from 8 games. With this, their chances of qualifying for the playoffs have become bright.
| Match No. | Date | Team Code | Team Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35th Match | Apr 23 | KRK | Karachi Kings |
| 38th Match | Apr 25 | PSZ | Peshawar Zalmi |
Hyderabad Kingsmen (HK)
HK have moved to 4th on the points table after a win against MS. They have 4 wins from 8 matches. The Kingsmen need to win all their remaining games to make it to the PSL 2026 playoffs comfortably.
| Match No. | Date | Team Code | Team Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36th Match | Apr 24 | ISU | Islamabad United |
| 39th Match | Apr 26 | RWP | Rawalpindiz |
Karachi Kings (KK)
Karachi Kings are the least expected to qualify for the PSL 2026 playoffs, given their net run-rate. After losing 5 out of 7 games, the side boasts of an NRR of -1.292. The side has just two more games left, and victories in both those games cannot guarantee them a chance in the playoffs.
| Match No. | Date | Team Code | Team Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35th Match | Apr 23 | LHQ | Lahore Qalandars |
| 37th Match | Apr 25 | QTG | Quetta Gladiators |