ISLAMABAD: Former South African batter Faf du Plessis announced on Saturday he was pulling out of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2026 auction to take part in the upcoming edition of the rival Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The South African is the fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players in the IPL, the biggest and richest cricket league worldwide. Apart from IPL’s Delhi Capitals, he has played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rising Pune Supergiants, winning the title twice with CSK.
The PSL is Pakistan’s flagship T20 cricket league that features local and international players every year. This year, the league is expected to be held in April and May 2026. It is rare for international cricketers to pull out of the IPL in favor of the PSL.
“This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” du Plessis said in a statement.
“It’s an exciting step for me — a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy. A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”
The former South African batter said the IPL had been a “massive part” of his cricketing journey.
“I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else,” he wrote. “India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”
In IPL 2025, du Plessis made 202 runs from nine games for the Delhi Capitals and even captained the team in two games when their regular captain Axar Patel was injured.
However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.
Du Plessis has played in the PSL before, making six appearances between 2019 and 2021 for the Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators franchises.
