Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has announced that he will play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2026 while skipping the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 38-year-old made the decision soon after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.
Last week, former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis revealed that he would not enter the IPL 2026 auction and would instead play in the PSL. The 40-year-old last played for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2025 season. He scored 202 runs in 9 matches at a disappointing average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 123.93.
After Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali Chooses Pakistan’s PSL Over IPL
Moeen Ali said that he is excited to join the Pakistan Super League. He stated that playing in Pakistan has always been a special experience for him. Moeen added that he is looking forward to creating new memories in the league and hopes the upcoming season will be another memorable chapter.
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“I’m really excited to be joining HBL PSL in its New Era. The league has earned a reputation for top-level T20 cricket, with high-quality competition and world-class talent across every team. Playing in Pakistan is always incredible; quality of cricket is outstanding and the passion and intensity from the crowd push you to bring your best,” Moeen Ali wrote.
“I’m looking forward to being part of it all and creating some great memories along the way. Ready for another special experience Insha’Allah!” he added.
Moeen Ali Represented RCB, CSK, and KKR in the IPL
Moeen Ali’s long IPL stint came to an end after Kolkata Knight Riders released him ahead of the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. The all-rounder was part of KKR’s squad in the 2025 season and played only six matches.
Moeen represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and KKR, scoring 1,167 runs and taking 41 wickets in 73 matches. He was also part of CSK’s title-winning campaigns in 2021 and 2023, contributing as a middle-order batter and an off-spin option.
Moeen has vast T20 experience, having played 92 T20Is for England and previously appearing in the PSL with Multan Sultans. He decided to return to the PSL shortly after the deadline for IPL 2026 auction registrations closed.
Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell Retire From IPL
Faf du Plessis ended his IPL career, announcing his retirement on November 29, just a day before the registration deadline for the IPL 2026 auction. He was released by Delhi Capitals following an injury-hit 2025 season.
Du Plessis began his IPL journey with Chennai Super Kings in 2013. He played seven seasons with CSK and won two titles, in 2018 and 2021. After CSK let him go ahead of the 2022 auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore picked him as their captain.
He produced some of his best numbers for RCB, including a 730-run campaign in 2023. The batter scored 4,773 runs from 154 IPL matches at an average of 35.10 and a strike rate of 135.79.
Andre Russell also stepped away from the IPL last week. The former West Indies all-rounder will return to Kolkata Knight Riders in a new role as their power coach for the 2026 season.
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