Former England all-rounder David Willey has attributed ‘certainty’ and ‘security’ as biggest factors behind some international stars opting out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Willey mentioned that the PSL, due to its smaller scale, provides guaranteed game time to some players who’d otherwise warm the bench in the IPL, where the competition is much fiercer.

Willey’s explanation comes after the likes of Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali announced on social media that they’d be missing the IPL and playing in the PSL instead. Glenn Maxwell also decided against throwing his hat into the IPL 2026 auction ring, and is reportedly lining up a return to the PSL.

“I think it’s very individual," Willey told Hindustan Times. “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 India, the scale and magnitude of the IPL is something you won’t experience anywhere else in sport. It’s a pretty special league," he added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not refrained from letting the upcoming PSL season clash with the IPL’s fixtures. While the viewership would take a beating, it also means that all players who don’t find a bidder in the IPL get a straightforward chance to showcase their skills in the PSL.

Moeen went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction while Maxwell’s stocks have fallen considerably after a quiet season with the Punjab Kings, where he was dropped midway through. Du Plessis was part of Delhi Capitals’ leadership group last season, but injury issues ruled him out for most of the season.