Faf du Plessis announced he will skip IPL 2026 after 14 seasons and instead play in the Pakistan Super League.
Faf du Plessis announced that he will not take part in the mini auction and skip IPL 2026, ending a 14-season run in the tournament. He will instead commit to the Pakistan Super League, which overlaps with the IPL window. The former Chennai Super Kings mainstay and ex-Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain shared his decision on November 29, two weeks before the auction in Abu Dhabi.
In a post on Instagram, Du Plessis acknowledged the support he received throughout his IPL career and said India remained an important chapter in his journey. He also indicated that his absence is not final and that he intends to return in future seasons.
“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I have decided not to put my name in the auction this year. It is a big decision and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back. To every coach, teammate, support staff member and every fan who has backed me over the years, thank you. Your support has meant the world. India has a special place in my heart and this is not goodbye; you will see me again,” his post read.
Du Plessis became one of the most reliable overseas performers in the league after joining CSK in 2013, spending seven seasons with the franchise. He later featured for Rising Pune Supergiant during Chennai’s suspension.
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After scoring 633 runs in Chennai’s 2021 title run, Faf du Plessis moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022, taking over the captaincy and delivering a strong 2023 season with 730 runs in 14 matches.
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