The excitement for the Indian Premier League is building again, but the 2026 season will be different because many IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 will not be part of the tournament. The IPL 2026 auction will be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where teams will try to rebuild their squads. With 77 spots open across the ten teams, including 31 overseas slots, franchises are expected to spend more than INR 237.55 crore.
This season feels unique because several experienced players have been released or have chosen not to participate. Their withdrawal has opened new opportunities for young cricketers, but it has also disappointed fans who follow these IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 every year.
Before this auction, all teams retained 173 players while letting go of many senior names. As the auction approaches, more big international cricketers have confirmed that they will skip the 2026 season. This means the league will miss several iconic performers who added quality and entertainment over the years.
This article explains, in simple words, which players are the key IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 and what led them to take this decision.
Table of Contents
List of IPL Stars Who Have Opted Out of the IPL 2026
Faf du Plessis
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Faf du Plessis is one of the most notable IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026. Instead of entering the IPL auction, he has decided to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His absence will hurt many fans because he remains one of the most reliable performers in the T20 format.
Du Plessis made his IPL debut in 2012 and has played 14 seasons across four teams. Known for sharp fielding and quick scoring, he also led his teams with confidence. Although he has not closed the door on future IPL appearances, he will not feature in this year’s tournament. With two IPL titles and many memorable innings, he leaves behind a strong legacy among the IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026.
| Category | Stats |
| IPL Seasons Played | 14 |
| Matches | 154 |
| Total Runs | 4132 |
| Teams Played For | 4 |
| IPL Titles Won | 2 |
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Andre Russell
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is another powerful name among the IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026. Known for his destructive batting, fast bowling, and ability to change matches in minutes, Russell has been a crowd favourite since he joined the league in 2012. He started with Delhi Daredevils before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014.
He won two IPL titles with KKR and became one of the most feared finishers in T20 cricket. But after KKR released him ahead of the 2026 auction, Russell announced his retirement from IPL as a player. Yet he will not be completely unavailable. He has been appointed as a “Power Coach” for KKR, ensuring that even though he is one of the IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026, he will still contribute through coaching and mentoring.
His absence will be felt deeply because fans loved how he could win matches single-handedly.
| Category | Stats |
| IPL Seasons Played | 12 |
| Matches | 119 |
| Total Runs | 2273 |
| Wickets | 99 |
| IPL Titles Won | 2 |
Moeen Ali
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has also joined the list of IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026. He confirmed his decision through a social media statement, expressing gratitude to fans and teammates who supported him throughout his IPL career.
Moeen played eight IPL seasons and was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad that lifted the trophy. In his most recent season, he played for KKR after being released earlier in the year. Now he has decided to shift his focus to the Pakistan Super League, just like du Plessis.
He described PSL participation as a fresh chapter in his cricket career. Across his IPL journey, he represented three franchises and was known for his adaptable batting, smart off-spin bowling, and calm personality on the field. His name adds to the growing list of IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026, making his absence another major loss for the tournament.
| Category | Stats |
| IPL Seasons Played | 8 |
| Matches | 73 |
| Total Runs | 1167 |
| Wickets | 41 |
| Teams Played For | 3 |
Glenn Maxwell
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is also one of the biggest IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting and innovative stroke play, joined the IPL in 2012 and quickly became one of the most exciting players to watch.
After spending four seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 4.20 crore before IPL 2025. However, the 2025 season turned out to be disappointing for him. He scored only 48 runs and took 4 wickets. Because of his poor performance, Punjab Kings released him ahead of the 2026 auction.
Following this release, Maxwell announced that he would not take part in IPL 2026. This decision brings his 12-year IPL journey to an end. Throughout his time in the league, he delivered multiple match-winning performances and entertained fans with his bold approach to batting. His absence makes him one of the most influential IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026, leaving a big gap in the excitement many fans expect during the tournament.
| Category | Stats |
| IPL Seasons Played | 12 |
| Matches | 142 |
| Total Runs | 2819 |
| Wickets | 41 |
| Highest Season Bid | INR 14 crore (2013) |
Why So Many Players Withdrew
With several IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026, fans have been wondering why this year has seen so many withdrawals. The reasons vary from player to player. Some want to focus on other T20 leagues such as the Pakistan Super League. Others feel they need more rest or want to shift towards coaching roles.
In certain cases, franchises released experienced players because of form issues, and those players then decided not to re-enter the auction. The nature of T20 cricket is evolving, and many senior players are choosing shorter commitments.
The withdrawal of these IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 also opens doors for younger Indian players and uncapped overseas talents who have been waiting for an opportunity.
FAQs
1. Why have so many IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 decided to skip the season?
Many IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 have chosen to skip the tournament because of personal workload, participation in other leagues like the PSL, reduced performance, or franchise decisions. Some players also want to focus on coaching roles or take a break from back-to-back cricket.
2. Will any of the IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 return in the future?
Yes, some IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 have said they may return in later seasons. Players like Faf du Plessis have not fully closed the door on future IPL participation.
3. How will the absence of IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 affect the teams?
The withdrawal of IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 will force teams to rebuild and depend more on young players or new overseas signings. Teams will need fresh strategies to fill the big gaps left by these experienced cricketers.
4. Who are the biggest IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 this season?
Some of the biggest IPL stars who have opted out of the IPL 2026 include Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, and Glenn Maxwell. Their absence will make the 2026 season very different for fans.