Key Points
- Faf du Plessis opts out of the 2026 IPL to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- West Indies star Andre Russell retires from IPL but joins Kolkata Knight Riders as power coach
- PSL emerges as a competitive choice for international T20 stars
- Russell continues to play in other global T20 tournaments
ISLAMABAD: South African cricketer Faf du Plessis has announced he will skip the 2026 Indian Premier League season, choosing instead to compete in the Pakistan Super League.
His decision underscores a growing trend among international stars, who are increasingly considering the PSL as a key T20 destination over the IPL.
Du Plessis, 38, a former South African captain and one of the team’s most consistent middle-order batsmen, said that India remains special to him and emphasised that his absence from the IPL was not a permanent farewell. The move signals the PSL’s rising stature in global cricket, attracting experienced players with lucrative opportunities and competitive formats.
In a related development, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, known for his explosive batting in T20 cricket, has retired from the IPL after a decade-long career. Russell will remain with Kolkata Knight Riders in a new role as the team’s first-ever power coach for the 2026 season.
Russell, 37, cited the desire to leave on his own terms after being released by KKR following a subdued 2025 season. The power coach role allows him to impart his aggressive style, energy, and expertise to younger teammates while continuing to play in other T20 leagues such as the Caribbean Premier League.
Across roughly 140 IPL matches, Russell scored over 2,600 runs at a blistering strike rate. He took more than 120 wickets, helping KKR secure two titles and cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most influential overseas players.
The simultaneous shifts of du Plessis and Russell illustrate an evolving T20 landscape, where players are balancing league choices, mentoring opportunities, and global T20 engagements to maximise both impact and career longevity.
