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.”
