The Indian Premier League may be the biggest and richest T20 league in the world, but not every player sees it as the best option anymore. Former England all-rounder David Willey believes the growing appeal of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) comes down to one simple thing, certainty.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Willey explained why a number of high-profile players are opting for the PSL instead of throwing their names into the IPL auction.
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'Certainty and Security' over glamour
According to Willey, the PSL’s smaller scale actually works in its favour. With fewer teams and overseas slots, players often walk into clearly defined roles, something that isn’t always guaranteed in the IPL.
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“You never quite know how the IPL auction will pan out,” Willey said. “There’s a bit more certainty and security with the PSL. Some players feel they’ve got more chances of actually playing rather than sitting on the sidelines for 10 or 11 weeks.” That guaranteed game time can be crucial, especially for players trying to stay sharp or rebuild form.
Big names skipping the IPL
Willey’s comments come in the wake of some eye-catching decisions. Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali have both chosen to play in the PSL instead of the IPL this season. Glenn Maxwell, one of the IPL’s biggest overseas stars, also decided not to register for the auction and is reportedly set for a PSL return.
Moeen went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, while Maxwell’s stock dipped after a tough season with Punjab Kings, where he was dropped midway. Du Plessis, meanwhile, was a key figure at Delhi Capitals last year and even served as vice-captain, but injuries limited his involvement.
PSL as a reliable backup option
With the PCB allowing the PSL to clash with the IPL window, the league has positioned itself as a strong alternative. While viewership can’t match the IPL’s global pull, it gives unsold or fringe players a straightforward backup and a chance to stay in the spotlight.
For many, that opportunity to play regularly outweighs the prestige of being part of the IPL without seeing much action.
IPL still the gold standard
Willey was quick to stress that the IPL remains unmatched in scale and experience. “The magnitude of the IPL is something you won’t experience anywhere else in sport. It’s a pretty special league,” he said.
But as player priorities evolve, it’s clear that certainty, security, and game time are becoming just as important as big contracts. And for some, that’s tipping the balance in favour of the PSL.