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Faf du Plessis publicizes he’ll skip IPL 2026 after 14 years, selecting to play within the Pakistan Super League as an alternative of entering the mini auction.
Faf du Plessis scored 202 runs in nine matches in IPL 2025 (Picture credit: AFP)
Star South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has said that he wouldn’t be a component of the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction, adding that he would skip the tournament after 14 years of featuring in it and would as an alternative travel to play the Pakistan Super League, which can coincide with the IPL.
In an announcement, Du Plessis confirmed that he’ll play within the Pakistan Super League as an alternative. The Chennai Super Kings stalwart and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain announced the choice on Sunday, November 29, two weeks ahead of the IPL auction on December 15 in Abu Dhabi.
Du Plessis has been a sought-after overseas cricketer within the Indian Premier League. Since debuting for Chennai Super Kings in 2013, he spent seven seasons with the MS Dhoni-led team and in addition played under Dhoni for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017.
“After 14 seasons within the IPL, I actually have decided not to place my name within the auction this 12 months. It’s a giant decision and one which comes with lots of gratitude after I look back,” Du Plessis wrote on an Instagram post.
“To each coach, teammate, support staff member and each fan who has backed me over time, thanks. Your support has meant the world,” Du Plessis said.
“India has a special place in my heart and this just isn’t goodbye; you will notice me again,” Du Plessis added.
After amassing 633 runs in CSK’s title-winning 2021 campaign, the star South Africa batter was released by the franchise. On the IPL 2022 auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore outbid CSK to sign du Plessis and named him skipper for the 2022–2024 seasons. He continued to shine with the bat, having fun with a standout 2023 season with 730 runs in 14 games.
November 29, 2025, 19:32 IST
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