Who prefered PSL ahead of IPL before ex-RCB captain's choice – OneCricket

OneCricket
Faf Du Plessis in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most decorated and popular tournament in the world. Since its inauguration, it has turned many players into global stars. However, ahead of the IPL 2026 season, let’s take a look at three high-profile international cricketers who have chosen to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead.
Here is a look at the three players who chose PSL over IPL.
Faf Du Plessis in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)
Star player Faf du Plessis has officially withdrawn from the IPL 2026 auction, ending his long 14-season association with the league. He confirmed that he will instead focus on playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
He last played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. In 9 matches, he has made 202 runs at an average of 22.44 and a strike-rate of 123.92 last season. Over his IPL career, he played 154 matches, scoring 4773 runs at an impressive average of 35.09 and a strike rate of 135.78. 
The 40-year-old will return to the PSL after five years, having last played for Quetta Gladiators in 2021. He featured in four matches that season, scoring 76 runs.
David Warner in PSL (Source: AFP)
Former Australian opener David Warner had also earlier chosen PSL over IPL. After going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Warner accepted an offer to lead Karachi Kings in PSL 2025.
Warner played 11 matches in PSL 2025, scoring 368 runs at an average of 33.45 and a strike rate of 153.97. On the other side, he struggled for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, scoring just 168 runs at an average of 21.00.
The PSL has offered Warner a fresh platform to continue his T20 journey, and he is expected to remain part of the league in the upcoming season as well.
Kane Williamson (Source: AFP)
Kane Williamson is another big name who switched to the PSL after setbacks in the IPL. The experienced batter, who had a decade-long IPL career from 2015 to 2024, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.
Although he managed to play only two IPL matches for Gujarat Titans in 2024 due to injuries, his overall IPL record remains strong, 2128 runs in 79 matches.
He joined Karachi Kings (KK) midway through PSL 2025 after finishing his commentary duties for the IPL broadcast. However, reports later suggested he was hesitant to return for the remaining matches due to security concerns.

Discover more
From Ayush Mhatre, Ishan Kishan and Auqib Nabi hits to Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Prithvi Shaw misses, key performances from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy’s round 3 listed
Analysing India’s number 5 options, as they look to find KL Rahul’s best positio
Andre Russell was CSK’s main target in the mini auction, but with the KKR legend retired, here are the 3 alternatives CSK could run after in the mini auction.
Here’s everything you need to know about whether the picture of MS Dhoni with his wife Sakshi watching the first ODI between India and South Africa in Ranchi is real or fake.
Sakshi Sharma
Sanju Samson or Ayush Mhatre: Who should open with Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK in IPL 2026?
“Victim card destroyed after PR”: Ruturaj Gaikwad blasted on Twitter After Ranchi woes
Kohli, Rohit return; Rishabh Pant misses out as South Africa invite India to bat in 1st ODI
SMAT highlights: Mhatre, Ishan slam tons; Suryavanshi perishes vs Nabi and Shaw fails
Should KL Rahul bat at number 5 after Sundar’s failure? Analysing India’s potential ODI options
Andre Russell retires: All-rounders CSK can target in IPL mini auction after sudden change in plan
Fact Check: Did MS Dhoni really attend the India vs South Africa first ODI in Ranchi?

source