Published on: Dec 2, 2025 5:13 pm IST|Updated on: Dec 2, 2025 5:13 pm IST
Ahead of the IPL 2026 auctions slated to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, two big names have opted not to put their names in for the cash-rich league. Veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis and Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell have stunned the fans by opting not to go under the hammer in the IPL 2026 mini auctions.
This comes as a surprise, as both these names have been trading their ploy in the IPL for quite some time now and are among the legendary names of the tournament. Ahead of the 2026 season, a total of 1335 players have registered their names for the mini auctions, including 16 uncapped players and excluding the two stalwarts Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell.
Both players took to social media to announce their unavailability for the upcoming season. Faf stated that he will be playing PSL instead, whereas Glenn Maxwell didn’t reveal his plans for the future.
Here’s what Faf wrote in his social media post,
“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year,” du Plessis wrote in a social media post. “It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back. This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else.
“Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t a goodbye – you’ll see me again.”“This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” he wrote. “It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow it as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy.”
“Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t a goodbye – you’ll see me again.”
“This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” he wrote. “It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow it as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy.”
Here’s what Glenn Maxwell had to say,
“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me,” Maxwell said.
“The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. l’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched.“The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever.“Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon,” he said.
“The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. l’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched.
“The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever.
“Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon,” he said.
Faf du Plessis’s IPL career
Faf du Plessis last played for the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 IPL season. He was the vice-captain of the side.
The South African right-hander made his IPL debut in the year 2012 for Chennai Super Kings. He represented the franchise till it got banned in 2015. The following two years, he played for Rising Pune Supergiant, a team that lasted for only two years in the absence of CSK. Once CSH was back in 2018, Faf du Plessis also made his return to his beloved franchise before he got released ahead of the 2022 season.
Between 2022-2024, Faf represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and even captained the side for all three seasons. His latest season came with the Delhi Capitals in 2015, wherein he captained the Capitals in their final league game of the season against the Punjab Kings.
Total IPL Earnings: ~₹49.44 Crore
Glenn Maxwell last represented Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL season. He didn’t feature in every game, as his stint was cut short due to injury.
Glenn Maxwell’s IPL career started as a young prodigy for the Delhi Daredevils in the year 2012. A career spanning for 13 seasons, Maxwell was the most overrated overseas player the league has ever witnessed. Barring the 2014, 2021, and 2022 seasons, Maxwell’s numbers have been terrible.
Always hyped as the ‘Big Show’ for hitting lusty blows at will, Maxwell failed to hit a single six in the 2020 season while playing for the Kings XI Punjab. In that horrific season, the overrated all-rounder accumulated only 108 runs across 13 games he featured in. After not registering his name in the IPL 2026 season, one can assume Maxwell’s IPL career is all but over.
Total IPL Earnings: ~₹85.42 Crore