Faf du Plessis kicks IPL to play in the PSL
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Former South African cricketer Faf du Plessis has decided not to participate in the upcoming IPL auction after his previous franchise, Delhi Capitals, released him ahead of the mini-auction. He has instead decided to take part in the PSL for this season.
Faf du Plessis, the former Chennai Super Kings star opener who gained fame with the Men in Yellow, kept ruling hearts even after he retired from international cricket. He has played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore as their captain.
Faf would have been the only skipper not to receive hate or dislike despite him replacing the legendary Virat Kohli as RCB's captain. Du Plessis led them to successive IPL knockouts before handing captaincy over to Rajat Patidar and moving on to the Delhi Capitals.
Faf du Plessis bids adieu to IPL after 14 seasons
The Royal Challengers Bangalore had released their full squad ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction; hence, Faf du Plessis was back on the auction table, and the Delhi Capitals seemed the only franchise interested, as he was bought for a minimal price of INR 2 crores.
However, with a poor season for the Capitals and not being useful at scoring runs as an opener, he was dropped on multiple occasions and also struggled with injury concerns for a major part of the season. Hence, Faf du Plessis was among the few players the Capitals parted with before the mini-auction.
He has decided to take a break from the IPL and try out other options. However, the player has mentioned that this is not goodbye, but is just a break from the competition. Faf released an official statement:
"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. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person."
"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.
"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 goodbye — you’ll see me again."
Faf to feature in PSL for 2026 season
The PSL and IPL have now been considered for the same window of April to June, and hence players cannot be part of both tournaments. The BCCI and PCB are again in a competitive exchange. Last time, David Warner, Daryl Mitchell and many others were spotted playing in the PSL.
Faf du Plessis too wishes to move to the PSL this season and says that he just wants to experience something new and also wishes to enjoy Pakistan's hospitality.
"This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season.
"It’s an exciting step for me — a chance to experience something new, to grow it as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy.
"A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistani hospitality. See you all soon," concluded Faf's official statement.
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Faf du Plessis IPL Stats
Faf du Plessis started playing the IPL in 2012 and has never failed at putting forward an amusing performance with the bat as well as on the field. Faf was always known as one of the most electrifying fielders on the field.
With a constant average of over 30 and half-centuries across almost every season he has played, Du Plessis stands tall with 4773 runs across 154 matches with a strike rate of 135. In these 14 years, he has amassed 39 half-centuries.
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