South African opener Faf du Plessis, now 41, has decided to skip the IPL 2026 auction, marking the end of his 14-year stint in the league after revealing the news via social media on November 29.
Du Plessis,
who has been part of the Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the years, and most recently was part of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, has made an abrupt end to his IPL career.
He plans to shift focus to the Pakistan Super League in 2026 for a fresh challenge. This move closes a remarkable chapter for the veteran batter in India's premier T20 competition.
Du Plessis debuted with Chennai Super Kings in 2012, smashing 398 runs in his first season, a mark he topped in 2020 by crossing 400 runs. His golden years at CSK included key contributions to IPL titles in 2018 and 2021. He was also part of the RCB squad and did significantly well for them. Du Plessis was part of the Capitals this year and ahead of the auction, he was released by the DC management.
By prioritizing PSL 2026, du Plessis signals a pivot toward new T20 horizons after a storied tenure. On Saturday, he made an announcement on social media, confirming his switch to the Pakistan Super League.
"After 14 seasons in the IPL, I've decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It's a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back. This league has been a massive part of my 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," Du Plessis wrote on social media.
The South African's break from IPL may be temporary as he confirmed he is likely to return again.
"Fourteen years is a long time, and I'm proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn't a goodbye - you'll see me again," he added.
In the PSL, he has played for the likes of Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi in the past, and is set to embrace a new chapter of his career next year.
