Faf du Plessis Opts Out of IPL 2026 Auction, Ends 14-Season Stint
The IPL will witness the departure of a modern great as former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has officially opted out of the upcoming 2026 auction, bringing an end to his illustrious 14-season association with the league.
The 41-year-old veteran announced his decision on social media on Saturday (November 29), confirming that he will not be playing in the IPL for the first time since his debut in 2012. Instead, he will embark on a new challenge by featuring in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2026.
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In his heartfelt note, du Plessis expressed deep gratitude for his time in the IPL. “After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year,” he wrote. “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.”
Du Plessis made a memorable start with the Chennai Super Kings in 2012, scoring 398 runs. His career peaked later, particularly between 2020 and 2024, where he emerged as one of the league’s most consistent run-getters. He was a pivotal part of CSK’s title wins in 2018 and 2021, finishing as the league’s second-highest run-scorer in the latter season.
After a successful stint leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he finished as the tournament’s second-highest scorer again in 2023, he moved to Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season but had a modest campaign, scoring 202 runs.
While bidding farewell to the IPL, du Plessis left the door open for a future return, stating, “India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t a goodbye – you’ll see me again.” His next stop will be the PSL, a league he has previously played in for Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi, marking a fresh chapter in his storied T20 career.
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