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The IPL 2026 mini-auction is currently facing an unprecedented challenge with a notable number of veteran overseas superstars electing to bypass the bidding process entirely. This unexpected exodus includes high-profile, long-time IPL participants such as Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis all of whom have chosen to register for the rival Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to a direct clash in tournament schedules. This shift has prompted former England cricketer David Willey to offer a candid explanation for this choice, framing the decision as a pragmatic trade-off.
David Willey uncovers the real reason why veteran overseas stars are moving from IPL to PSL
Former England international Willey, who has experience playing for both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), precisely identified the key motivational factor driving veteran players to favor the PSL over the IPL, which he confirmed is a search for guaranteed match participation. Willey emphasized that the IPL’s rigid restriction of only four overseas players in the starting eleven creates a substantial risk of high-profile players spending the entire season on the bench, making the PSL’s offering of more consistent playing time far more appealing to seasoned professionals who prioritize on-field activity. Willey offered a clear, direct quote on the individual nature of this decision:
“I think it’s very individual. You may never quite know how the IPL auction will pan out. I think there’s a little bit more certainty and security with the PSL for players. And, you know, depending on individual circumstances, people might feel like they’ve got more chance of actually playing in the PSL rather than just sitting on the sidelines for 10-11 weeks, which can be a defining factor for people.” Willey was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
This sentiment directly addresses the reality that even top-tier overseas bowlers, such as Nathan Ellis, were often confined to the sidelines, featuring in only one match during the entire IPL 2025 season. The auction’s inherent unpredictability and high competition among younger, currently in-form players further increase the risk of older or recently struggling stars going unsold, historical precedent set by legends like Chris Gayle in the 2011 auction. Therefore, the security of a guaranteed playing contract and a defined role in the PSL is increasingly viewed as a more valuable commodity than the potential, yet uncertain, larger paycheck from the highly competitive IPL auction.
Willey’s dual presence in both IPL and PSL
Willey, the English bowling all-rounder, has maintained a dual presence in the world of franchise cricket, representing multiple teams in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) throughout his career. In the IPL, Willey has notably played for the CSK, where he first debuted in 2018, and the RCB, where he featured in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, later also being associated with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Across his entire IPL career spanning 11 matches, Willey has scored 53 runs with a highest score of 20 against KKR in 2023, while his bowling performance has yielded 6 wickets overall, with a best figure of 2/16. Conversely, his presence in the PSL has been marked by stints with teams including Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans and most recently opted out of the IPL 2025 auction to play in the PSL 2025 season.
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