Castries, Saint Lucia – Faf du Plessis, the charismatic South African batsman who led the Saint Lucia Kings to their maiden Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title last season, will not be returning to defend the championship in the 2025 edition of the tournament. The veteran T20 globetrotter has revealed that family priorities are the primary reason behind his decision to skip the CPL this year.
Prioritizing Family Over Title Defense
Du Plessis, known for his dedication and leadership, stated that while defending the CPL title with the Kings was a significant goal, his family comes first. In a heartfelt message, he expressed his gratitude to the Saint Lucia Kings franchise and his teammates. “The only reason that could be more important than for me to come back and defend the title, is my family and prioritizing them,” he said. This decision highlights his commitment to his personal life amidst a demanding international T20 cricket schedule.
Clash with The Hundred and Franchise Commitments
Another contributing factor to du Plessis’s absence from CPL 2025 is the schedule clash with “The Hundred,” a professional cricket league in the United Kingdom. Du Plessis has been drafted by the Southern Brave, who are now a satellite franchise of the Delhi Capitals after the GMR group acquired a stake in the side. Having been signed by the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 auction after being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his participation in The Hundred aligns with his broader franchise commitments.
Kings Seek New Leadership and Replacements
Faf du Plessis’s departure leaves a significant void for the Saint Lucia Kings, who will now need to find a new captain to lead their title defense. His leadership and consistent performances were instrumental in their historic victory last year. The Kings have already begun to bolster their squad, signing Australian big-hitter Tim David as a first-round pick in the CPL 2025 draft, who is expected to fill some of the batting void. The team may also be on the lookout for a new coach, as Daren Sammy has taken on an all-format role with the West Indies team.
The 2025 CPL season is scheduled to kick off on August 14 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and promises to be an exciting contest as teams vie for the coveted trophy.
