The 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) will kick off without several star players who have left an indelible mark on the tournament over the years. With the mini-auction scheduled on 16 December at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, many veterans have decided to skip the IPL, surprising fans and altering team strategies for the upcoming season.
Moeen Ali Chooses PSL
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali will not feature in IPL 2026, opting instead to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Moeen announced his decision on social media, leaving cricket enthusiasts curious about his performance in the PSL. In the 2025 IPL season, he represented KKR, scoring 1167 runs and taking 41 wickets in 73 matches, with a strike rate of 139.76 and an economy of 7.22.
Faf du Plessis to Prioritize PSL
Similarly, Faf du Plessis confirmed via social media that he will skip IPL 2026 to focus on the PSL. He spent 7 seasons with CSK and represented RCB from 2022 to 2024, captaining the team during his tenure. Over 13 IPL seasons, du Plessis amassed 4773 runs at a strike rate of 135.78, making him one of the most accomplished South African batsmen in the league.
Glenn Maxwell Withdraws from Auction
Australia’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has taken the unexpected step of withdrawing from the IPL 2026 auction. Maxwell offered no specific reason but thanked his Indian fans for their unwavering support. In the last two seasons (2024 and 2025), his performance dipped, scoring only 100 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 109.44.
Andre Russell Retires from IPL
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell recently announced his retirement from the IPL via Instagram. Russell, who became a key player for KKR with his explosive batting, played 140 IPL matches, scoring 2651 runs and taking 123 wickets. He will, however, remain part of the KKR family as a “Power Coach” for the upcoming season.
Ravichandran Ashwin Bids Goodbye
India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin formally announced his IPL retirement in August 2025. Ashwin, who took 187 wickets over 16 IPL seasons, ranks fifth on the list of highest wicket-takers in the league. With an impressive economy rate of 7.20, he played a crucial role in CSK’s 2010 and 2011 title victories and will continue to feature in global T20 leagues outside India.
The absence of these five cricketing giants marks a significant shift in IPL 2026 dynamics, opening doors for emerging talent while leaving fans eager to see how franchises adapt to this new landscape.
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