Another big name just said no to IPL 2026! Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali picked the Pakistan Super League instead. He’s following in the footsteps of Faf du Plessis who made the same call recently. Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans must be feeling the pinch right now.
Moeen Ali’s Surprising Decision
Moeen Ali dropped this bombshell announcement that shocked many cricket followers. He won’t register for the IPL 2026 auction this year. The PSL 2026 attracted him with its fierce competition and world-class players.
Ali spoke about experiencing something fresh in his T20 career. Playing in Pakistan offers him new challenges he’s been craving lately. The former RCB spinner wants to create different memories on Pakistani grounds.
Pakistani cricket fans are known for their wild passion and energy. Moeen mentioned this as one big reason behind his choice. That kind of crowd support can make any player feel special.
Faf du Plessis Sets the Trend
South African legend Faf du Plessis started this whole PSL 2026 movement first. He chose to skip IPL 2026 and focus entirely on Pakistan’s league. Both these ex-RCB stars are taking similar paths now.
Faf made it clear this doesn’t mean goodbye to Indian cricket forever. He simply wants to explore different T20 leagues around the world. His IPL journey gave him incredible memories over the years.
These decisions show players want variety in their franchise cricket careers. The PSL offers competitive cricket with passionate crowds cheering loudly. Sometimes a change of scenery helps players find new motivation.
Impact on IPL and Growing PSL Appeal
Moeen Ali has played for multiple IPL teams since starting in 2018. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings and other teams benefited from his skills. His absence will leave a gap in the auction pool.
The PSL 2026 is clearly becoming more attractive to old international stars now. Top players see it as a genuine alternative to the IPL. Pakistan’s league keeps improving its quality and organization every season.
This trend might continue with more old players choosing PSL over other leagues. The competition between different T20 tournaments benefits players with more options. Fans in Pakistan will love watching these superstars play on home soil.
Both Ali and Faf bring huge experience to the PSL 2026 now. Their presence will raise the tournament’s profile even higher globally.
