In the last week or so, several foreign veteran cricketers have decided to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. Instead of picking the biggest cricket league in the world, these players have chosen the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which will take place in the same window as the IPL.
The cricketers were none other than Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell. Although the former joined the IPL in 2018, the latter two had been part of the league since 2011 and 2013, respectively. Not just that, Faf and Maxwell have even captained franchises in the IPL as well.
What could be the reason behind all of them choosing IPL over PSL after all these years? Former England bowler David Willey, who has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has reasoned why these players have changed their course.
Why do some foreign players choose IPL over PSL?
Since PSL and IPL overlap, the former doesn’t attract many big names. That means the competition in the IPL auction would be much intense, which in turn could result in a player going unsold. This has happened to even Chris Gayle in 2011. Since a player can register for one auction, some pick PSL over IPL.
Another reason is gametime. Nathan Ellis, one of the best T20 bowlers and an immediate starter for Australia, was benched by CSK last season and featured in just one game. One might get paid more in the IPL but have a higher chance of playing in the PSL, and that’s why some pick the latter over the former.
“I think it’s very individual. You maybe never quite know how the IPL auction will pan out. I think there’s a little bit more certainty and security with the PSL for players. And, you know, depending on individual circumstances, people might feel like they’ve got more chance of actually playing in the PSL rather than just sitting on the sidelines for 10-11 weeks, which can be a defining factor for people,” Willey told Hindustan Times.
