Recently, a few foreign veteran cricketers have made the surprising decision to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. Instead of opting for the biggest cricket league in the world, they’ve chosen to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which happens to be scheduled at the same time as the IPL. The players in question are none other than Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell. While Moeen joined the IPL back in 2018, Faf and Maxwell have been part of the league since 2011 and 2013, respectively. To add to that, both Faf and Maxwell have even taken on captaincy roles in various IPL franchises. So, what could be driving these players to choose the PSL over the IPL after all these years? Former England bowler David Willey, who has played for teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has shared his thoughts on why these cricketers have decided to change their path. Why Do Certain Overseas Players Prefer the IPL to the PSL? With the PSL and IPL overlapping, the PSL often struggles to draw in the big names. This leads to a more intense competition during the IPL auction, which can sometimes leave even top players like Chris Gayle without a team, as we saw in 2011. Since players can only register for one auction, some choose the PSL over the IPL. Also Read | Explained: BCCI’s Salary Cap Rule Restricting Overseas Players’ IPL Earnings in 2026 Another factor to consider is game time. Take Nathan Ellis, for example he's one of the top T20 bowlers and a key player for Australia, yet he barely got any action with CSK last season, playing in just one match. While the IPL might offer a bigger paycheck, the chances of actually getting to play are often better in the PSL, which is why some players opt for it instead. Here is what Willey told Hindustan Times: “I think it’s very individual. You maybe 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,” In the end, the choice made by these experienced international stars to opt for the PSL instead of the IPL boils down to opportunity, relevance, and the need to stay active on the field. Sure, the IPL offers bigger paychecks and a spotlight on the global stage, but it also comes with fierce competition for playing time something that not every player can afford to gamble on at this point in their careers. The PSL, in contrast, gives them the guarantee of regular matches, a clear role, and the chance to keep their skills sharp in a packed cricket schedule. For players like Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell, that balance seems to be more important than ever.