South African player Faf du Plessis, former RCB captain, has opted out of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He announced in a post on Saturday that he will not participate in the mini auction to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The 41-year-old wrote, “India will always hold a special place in my heart. This is not a goodbye at all; you will see me again. This year I have decided to take on a new challenge. I will play in the upcoming PSL season.” Du Plessis was part of the Delhi Capitals last season. He was released by Delhi in the retention list released on November 15. Du Plessis captained RCB for three seasons from 2022 to 2024. The franchise released him before the mega auction. Faf du Plessis announced his decision to leave IPL 2026 through this post… Faf du Plessis’s full post… After playing 14 seasons in the IPL, I have decided not to enter the auction this year. This is a big decision. Looking back, I feel immense gratitude. This league has been a crucial part of my cricket journey. I had the opportunity to play alongside world-class teammates, be part of a great franchise, and play in front of fans whose passion is like no other. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as both a player and a person. To every coach, teammate, support staff, and fan who has supported me over the years, a heartfelt thank you. Your support means so much to me. 14 years is a long time, and I am proud of what this journey has given me. India will always hold a special place in my heart, and this is not a goodbye at all; you will see me again. This year, I have decided to take on a new challenge. I will play in the upcoming PSL season. This is an exciting step for me. A chance to experience something new, grow as a player, and embrace this league filled with incredible talent and energy. “A new country. A new environment. A new challenge.
I’m excited to host Pakistan.
See you all soon.” Faf has played 154 IPL matches.
South African cricketer Faf du Plessis has played 154 IPL matches. He began his IPL career with CSK in 2012. He has also played for Rising Pune Supergiants, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi.
Faf has scored 4773 runs at a strike rate of 135.78, including 39 fifties. He retired from Test cricket in 2021 and has been out of action since.
Faf retired from Test cricket on February 17, 2021. He played his last international match in the last Test match in Rawalpindi between 4th and 8th February 2021. Since then, Faf has been out of the national team. ————————————— Also read this news related to IPL… Sangakkara appointed as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, will replace Rahul Dravid Rajasthan Royals on Monday announced that Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara will be the head coach of the team for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sangakkara previously held the same role from 2021 to 2024. He is also currently the Director of Cricket of the franchise. Read the full news
