Faf du Plessis, the South African cricket star, has decided not to enter the IPL auction in 2026. This brings his 14-year run in the major T20 league to an end. The 41-year-old shared his decision on social media, expressing his thanks and emotions as he leaves the tournament that made his T20 name. After 2012, this will be the first time that du Plessis won’t be in the IPL, which closes an important chapter of his cricket years.
Du Plessis started his IPL career in 2012 with the Chennai Super Kings. He made a strong first impression, scoring 398 runs and quickly becoming a fan favorite. For almost ten years, his calm personality, smooth batting, and athleticism made him a key part of CSK. He won two IPL titles with the team, playing essential roles in their 2018 and 2021 victories. His consistent performance and ability to perform well in big games earned him a lot of respect from CSK and everyone in the league.
From 2020 to 2024, du Plessis was at the top of his game in the IPL. He constantly put up great performances, becoming one of the league’s most dependable hitters. He almost won the Orange Cap in IPL 2021, missing it by just two runs. After he moved to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he played even better. He scored many runs and also became the leader. In 2023, he was again the second-highest run-scorer, proving that he could still play well even as he got older. His time with the Delhi Capitals in 2025 was not as good, with 202 runs at an average of 22.44, but he was still an invaluable senior player.
In an emotional statement, du Plessis shared how much the IPL means to him, both on and off the field. He spoke fondly of his teammates, the teams he played for, and the enthusiastic Indian fans who made every game special. He made it clear that while he’s not participating in the auction, he’s not saying a final goodbye to India or the league. He assured fans that they’ll see him again in some role. His message showed how thankful he is and how fulfilling his time with the IPL has been.
Even though Faf du Plessis is leaving the IPL, he’s not finished with cricket. He’s going to play in the PSL in 2026. He’s played for Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi before, and he’s looking forward to playing in the Pakistan Super League again. He says the PSL is a lively competition with a lot of talent, and he thinks this is a chance for him to improve as a player in a new setting.
Faf du Plessis’ choice to skip the IPL auction might feel like the end of an era for the league and its fans. It shows how a seasoned cricketer seeks fresh challenges. Over 14 seasons, two championships, and many great plays, he’s really made his mark on the IPL. Now, as he gears up for a new part in the PSL, fans everywhere will still celebrate what he’s done and look forward to seeing what he does next.