In a significant shift for international T20 cricket, former South African captain Faf du Plessis has announced his departure from the Indian Premier League after fourteen consecutive seasons. The veteran batsman revealed through social media that he will not participate in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction, instead opting to join the Pakistan Super League for the forthcoming season.
Du Plessis, who has been an integral part of the IPL since its early years, expressed profound gratitude for his extensive career in the Indian tournament. Having represented four franchises—Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and most recently Delhi Capitals—the 41-year-old cricketer acknowledged the transformative impact of his IPL journey on both his professional and personal development.
The decision comes after a comparatively challenging final season with Delhi Capitals, where du Plessis managed 202 runs across nine matches with an average of 22.44. Despite this, his overall IPL legacy remains impressive: 154 matches, 4,773 runs at an average of 35.10, and a strike rate of 135.79, highlighted by two championship victories with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021.
In his emotional Instagram statement, du Plessis emphasized that this move represents neither retirement nor permanent departure from Indian cricket, but rather an intentional pursuit of fresh competitive stimulation. The Pakistani league offers him unprecedented opportunities to experience new cricketing environments, engage with different playing styles, and contribute to the growing prestige of PSL.
The 2026 IPL auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, will proceed as a single-day mini-auction without the participation of one of the league’s most recognizable international stars. This development marks a notable moment in the evolving landscape of global T20 leagues, demonstrating increased player mobility between major tournaments.