For the first time in 15 years, Faf du Plessis won’t be part of an Indian Premier League auction. The veteran South African hasn’t registered for the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auctions that will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, du Plessis has confirmed his availability for the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League which is expected to function around the same time as IPL 2026. The announcement was made by the 41-year-old through a social media post on Saturday (November 29).

“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year,” du Plessis 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. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else.”

While this decision is a big step from the South African batting legend, du Plessis shrugged off rumours of retiring from IPL cricket. 

“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.”

du Plessis’ decision comes as a major surprise, given that he has been one of the renowned names in IPL history. Having been a vital part of Chennai Super Kings’ outfit during their iconic title wins in 2018 and 2021, du Plessis also spent a brief stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leading them to moderate results.

In the PSL, du Plessis is still testing the waters and played a total of just six matches across the last two seasons, for two different teams. Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators are the two PSL franchises that du Plessis represented in the last two years. As he gears up for the PSL draft, du Plessis is buoyant about his future in the league.

 “This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” he wrote. “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.”