Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has effectively ended his IPL career after confirming he will not enter the 2026 auction.

The 41-year-old, who was not retained by the Delhi Capitals, announced on Instagram that he has opted out of next week’s auction in Abu Dhabi.

Instead, Du Plessis will commit fully to the Pakistan Super League next year, with the PSL and IPL set to clash on the cricket calendar.

Du Plessis bows out of the IPL as one of the tournament’s most prolific imports. He played 154 matches for the Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 4,773 runs at an average of 35.10, including 39 fifties. He leaves as the fourth-highest overseas run-scorer in IPL history.

“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year,” he wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Photo: BCCI