LAHORE: Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has announced that he is withdrawing his name from the Indian Premier League auction and will instead be participating in the upcoming Pakistan Super League season.
The 39-year-old cricketer revealed his decision through an Instagram post, confirming the end of his 14-year association with the IPL.
Du Plessis expressed profound gratitude towards his IPL teammates, coaches, and support staff, acknowledging the invaluable experiences gained during his long tenure in the league. However, he said that it was time for a “new challenge”.
“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 as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy,” he wrote.
The former skipper added that he was looking forward to the passion of Pakistani fans, the country’s hospitality, and the competitive atmosphere of the PSL.
Du Plessis confirmed that he would not put his name in the IPL auction this year, bringing an end to one of the most illustrious foreign player journeys in the Indian league.
Meanwhile, the PSL is preparing for a major expansion in its upcoming season, with the Pakistan Cricket Board set to auction two new franchises on 6 January next year. The league’s existing franchises – Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Quetta Gladiators – have renewed their contracts for another ten years. However, Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen revealed that he would not extend the franchise contract, citing financial losses during his tenure.
