PSL 2024: 4 Teams that who might qualify for qualifiers

PSL 2024 Trophy. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Pakistan Super League 2024 season began on Saturday, February 17, with the first match against two-time champions Islamabad United and reigning champions Lahore Qalandars. The tournament is now in its ninth season.

Every single one of the six franchises has won the trophy at least once during the PSL history. The defending champions Lahore Qalandars and the inaugural winners Islamabad United are the most successful teams in the PSL, having won it twice apiece. Qalandars are the only team to win the tournament twice in a row.

According to the PSL 2024 schedule, each team will play the other five teams twice, in a double round-robin style. The top four teams in the standings after all league matches will advance to the playoffs.

The top two teams in the standings will face off in the Qualifier 1 for a spot in the final. The third and fourth-place teams will face off in Eliminator 1 to advance to Eliminator 2. The winner of Eliminator 1 will compete against the loser of Qualifier 1 in Eliminator 2 for the remaining slot in the final.

The PSL 2024 final will take place in Karachi on March 18.

Here are the 4 teams that might qualify for the PSL 2024 qualifiers:

4. Lahore Qalandars

Lahore Qalandars. (Photo Source: ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)

Many would think that the defending champions Lahore Qalandars might be at the top of their game in this PSL 2024 season. But to the surprise of many, the Shaheen Afridi-led side has had a horrible time this season. The franchise has played seven games thus far and have lost six games. LQ has three more games in hand, and are likely out of the race in this edition of the PSL.

Previously, Peshawar Zalmi (2023), Karachi Kings (2021 and 2019), and Quetta Gladiators (2018) have qualified for the playoffs with 10 points but with a washout in their last game, the chances are very much glim. 

3. Karachi Kings

Karachi Kings. (Photo Source:X/Twitter)

Karachi Kings have played five matches thus far won two games and lost three. They have four points to their name and have an NRR of -0.460. The Shan Masood-led side has played some good cricket and will benefit from the next phase of the PSL 2024, which will be played in Karachi and Rawalpindi.

Karachi’s next match will be against Quetta Gladiators on March 6 and have ample time. Out of the remaining games in hand, the Kings need to win at least four more games to finish with enough points to ensure qualification in the playoffs.

2. Quetta Gladiators

Quetta Gladiators. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Quetta Gladiators have won four matches out of six that they have played in the PSL 2024 league stage till now. They have nine points to their name. This means Quetta Gladiators still have points to earn from the remaining matches. If they win all the remaining matches, the Gladiators will finish with 17 points.

However, to qualify for the playoffs, the Rilee Russouw-led Gladiators need to win at least three of the remaining matches to finish with 14 or more points. This will ensure them a place in the first qualifier of the PSL 2024. If not, they still need to win atleast two more games out of six remaining to be clear with 12 points or more and make it into the final four.  

1. Multan Sultans

Multan Sultans. (Photo Source: FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP via Getty Images)

Multan Sultans currently hold the No. 1 spot in the PSL 2024 points table. They have played six games and won five of them. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side has ten points to their names and an NRR of 1.154. Sultans have been in very good form and have been captained well by Rizwan.

Meanwhile, with ten points, the Sultans are just a few more wins shy of making it into the playoffs. If they win these matches, they collect 10-14 points and even more, they can ensure themselves of a place in the first spot in the playoffs to give themselves the most chance of playing in the finals.