Pakistan Super League ( PSL ) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in Pakistan , founded in 2015 . It is contested by six teams representing different cities in Pakistan : Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans . The league is operated by the Pakistan Cricket Board ( PCB ). Starting: The inaugural season of PSL was held in February and March of 2016 , with five teams competing in the tournament . The first season was won by Islamabad United , who defeated Quetta Gladiators in the final. Since then, the league has grown in popularity and the number of teams has increased to six . The format of PSL is similar to other Twenty20 leagues around the world , with each team playing a total of 14 matches in the league stage . The top four teams qualify for the playoffs , which consist of two Qualifiers , an Eliminator , and the final . The team that finishes in first place in the league stage is given a direct entry into th...