The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word TRIFLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
R
I
F
L
E
More clues leading to the result TRIFLE
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "play" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case play = trifle.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TRIFLE mean?
TRIFLE noun- An English dessert made from a mixture of thick custard, fruit, sponge cake, jelly and whipped cream.
- Anything that is of little importance or worth.
- A very small amount (of something).
- A particular kind of pewter.
- Utensils made from this particular kind of pewter.
- To deal with something as if it were of little importance or worth.
- To act, speak, or otherwise behave with jest.
- To inconsequentially toy with something.
- To squander or waste.
- To make a trifle of, to make trivial.