5 Ex-IPL players who will play in PSL 2026 season

The Pakistan Super League’s 2026 edition promises bigger crowds and a bolder overseas line-up after franchises moved quickly to grab experienced T20 names who spent years in the Indian Premier League. For Pakistan’s tournament, now expanded and switching to an auction model, the arrivals of several ex-IPL stars add instant intrigue. Here are five former IPL mainstays who’ve taken the PSL route for 2026, what they bring on the field, and why their presence matters.

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1. Faf du Plessis

The South African has been one of the most consistent top-order performers in franchise cricket for well over a decade. After 14 IPL seasons that included leadership roles and big runs for multiple franchises, Du Plessis opted out of the IPL 2026 auction and chose a fresh challenge in the PSL, although it was expected that he was not going to get picked this year due to his age and lack of form. 

He brings a polished temperament for the top order, an ability to pace big chases and leadership that will help whichever dressing room he joins. In the PSL context, Du Plessis adds classical placement and tournament nous, which is exactly the profile teams chasing titles want.

2. Moeen Ali

England’s veteran all-rounder reversed earlier retirement whispers to commit to the PSL, another high-profile name to jump from IPL corridors to Pakistan’s league. Moeen’s value is obvious as a reliable left-arm spin that can be used in the middle overs and a finishing bat who can rotate or clear the ropes depending on match situations. 

He has been a slot-filling match-winner in T20s around the world, and his availability for PSL 2026 gives franchises a flexible overseas option who can bat, bowl and field at a high level. He should bring some genuine quality to the league.

3. Mustafizur Rahman

The Bangladesh left-arm quick returns to the PSL after his exit from the IPL, with the league confirming his registration. “Fizz” is a cutter-specialist whose slower-ball repertoire and deceptive seam movement make him effective in powerplays and at the death. 

In a competition where wickets at the top and predictable dot-ball overs change run rates quickly, Mustafizur’s skill set is valuable, and his availability will boost the pace options of whichever franchise secures him. He is poised to be one of the marquee players of the team he joins.

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4. Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell’s decision to rule himself out of the IPL 2026 auction was widely reported, and several outlets linked the Australian big-hitter with PSL interest and direct signings. Maxwell is the archetypal impact batter: brutal in short bursts, inventive against spin and sufficiently handy with part-time off-spin. 

For the past several years, he has had a horrendous show at the IPL, and so making the change to the PSL surely makes sense for him. For PSL teams, he is an immediate match-winner in the middle overs and an attention-pulling player who can swing an evening with a single sustained assault. His availability also lets franchises balance local seam and spinner combinations differently.

5. David Warner

Warner’s name has been in PSL conversations since he featured as a marquee in earlier editions, and he remains one of the best proven T20 openers in franchise history. Even where full contractual details for 2026 were still being finalised, Warner’s prior PSL stints and continued T20 commitments make him a plausible and headline overseas pick for 2026 rosters. For teams wanting early momentum, Warner’s aggressive left-hand start and history of setting big totals are irresistible assets.

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