Faf du Plessis Opts Out of IPL 2026, Chooses PSL Instead

Faf du Plessis, who played for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators between 2019 and 2021, is returning to the PSL after a five-year absence.

Faf du Plessis Opts Out of IPL 2026, Chooses PSL Instead

Faf du Plessis has opted out of the 2026 IPL auction, to play in the PSL. (via NDTV Sports)

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Former South African captain Faf du Plessis bid adieu to the IPL, pulling his name out of the upcoming 2026 auction. The former Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon revealed that he will instead take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), in a major decision. 

Faf du Plessis is a two-time IPL winner with Chennai Super Kings, a franchise where he played for seven long seasons. Having scored over 10,000 runs in international cricket, Du Plessis is also one of the most successful captains of the modern-era, with a win rate of 73.68 percent as South Africa’s ODI captain. A franchise league veteran, the 41-year-old has also played for RCB, RPSG and DC in the IPL.

His numbers in the IPL are staggering, having scored 4,773 runs in 154 matches in the competition since 2012 at an average of 35.10, hitting 39 half-centuries. Du Plessis’ standout IPL display came during CSK’s title-winning run in 2021, where he scored 633 runs, finishing only behind teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad in the top run scorers for that season.

After having built a formidable IPL legacy, Du Plessis has now decided against entering his name in the upcoming auction. In a statement shared by the legend on social media, he shed light on the emotional toll of the decision to not play in the IPL, while expressing gratitude for the experience. He also thanked fans for their support, and felt lucky to have shared the dressing room with some of the greatest players.

However, Faf du Plessis added that he is only stepping away from the IPL for the while, but did not rule out a return to playing in India in the future. The 41-year-old also shared his decision to embark on a new journey in the Pakistan Super League, with its 2026 season scheduled to overlap with the IPL. Several reports suggest that the fear of going unsold, after an underwhelming 2025 IPL campaign with Delhi Capitals, prompted Du Plessis to choose the PSL.

After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year… This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings paid an emotional tribute to the departing legend, sharing a social media post of his most crucial performances in the IPL. Du Plessis responded by exclaiming that he wished to finish his IPL career in the famous yellow jersey. 

PSL set to expand into an eight-team league, PCB evaluates six potential cities

Pakistan Super League is all set for a historic expansion, with the six-team league set to bring in two new franchises, ahead of the 2026 season. Senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official and PSL CEO Salman Naseer confirmed the decision, adding that an auction would be held.

PSL expansion
PSL 2026 will feature eight teams, expanding from the current six-team format. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

The PSL is expected to grow from six to eight teams, making it the biggest change since the league’s inception in 2006. Speaking at a recent press-conference, CEO Naseer revealed that preparations are already underway for the expansion. He even stated that an auction would be held for interested parties to acquire the two new franchises, also allowing them to choose from a pool of cities. 

The historic expansion process is being led by Ernst & Young (EY), who are also set to determine the market value of the two new franchises for the next ten-year period. PCB has already evaluated potential cities for the two new sides that would join the league in 2026. The shortlisted cities are Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.

PCB also completed a re-valuation process for all the existing franchises, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans. Each team owner would have to renew the contract, to retain their franchise for another decade.

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