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 he was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.
Last week, former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis revealed that he will not participate in the IPL 2026 auction and will 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 strike rate of 123.93.
After Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali chooses Pakistani PSL over IPL
Moeen Ali said he is excited to join the Pakistan Super League. He said 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 that the upcoming season will be another memorable chapter.
Your daily dose of cricket!
“I am truly excited to join HBL PSL in its new era. The league has established a reputation for top-level T20 cricket, with high-quality competition and world-class talent in every team. Playing in Pakistan is always incredible; the quality of cricket is exceptional and the passion and intensity of the crowd pushes you to perform at your best,” Moeen Ali wrote.
“I can’t wait to be a part of it all and make some great memories along the way. Ready for another special experience Insha’Allah!” he added.
Moeen Ali has represented RCB, CSK and KKR in the IPL
Moeen Ali’s long stay in the IPL came to an end after Kolkata Knight Riders released him ahead of the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. The all-rounder was part of the KKR 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 hitter and an off-spin option.
Moeen has extensive T20 experience, having played 92 T20Is for England and previously appearing in the PSL with Multan Sultans. He decided to return to the PSL soon after the IPL 2026 auction registration deadline closed.
Faf du Plessis and Andre Russell retire from IPL
Faf du Plessis ended his IPL career by announcing his retirement on November 29, just a day before the 2026 IPL auction registration deadline. He was released by the Delhi Capitals after an injury-plagued 2025 season.
Du Plessis started 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 participate in the 2022 auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore picked him as captain.
He has produced some of his best numbers for RCB, including a 730-run campaign in 2023. The batter has scored 4,773 runs in 154 IPL matches at an average of 35.10 and a strike rate of 135.79.
Andre Russell also walked away from the IPL last week. The former West Indies all-rounder will return to Kolkata Knight Riders in a new role as power coach for the 2026 season.
Also read: Michael Slater stripped of Hall of Fame status after domestic violence accusations
