Arshdeep for Hardik: IPL's big trade gets green light

Listen to this article in summarized format Listen Loading... × × Subscribe to Unlock AI Briefing and Premium Content New Year Offer 24 Hours Left Subscribe Now Already a member? Sign In What's Included Exclusive Stories Daily ePaper Access Smart Market Tools Curated Investment Ideas Ad-lite Experience Subscription ANI India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to join Punjab Kings from Mumbai Indians , with the two franchises agreeing to a player trade involving pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the IPL mini-auction. Under the proposed deal, Arshdeep will move to Mumbai Indians, while Hardik will return to a new franchise after his second stint with the five-time champions. The trade is subject to formal approval from the BCCI . Also Read: 'Safed jersey se vida': Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket after 13-year journey An IPL source confirmed the development to PTI. "The trade has been completed. Hardik is going to Punjab Kings and Arshdeep is moving to Mumbai Indians. Hardik is happy to play under Shreyas Iyer," the source said. "It was the decision of the captain and the coach to trade Hardik for Arshdeep, who has been with Punjab Kings for a very long time and has become the player he is today following his success with the franchise," the source added. Live Events Also Read: NZ vs IND, 2nd ODI: Gurnoor Brar's four-wicket streak leads India to win by four runs "For the owners, it was not an easy decision considering how Arshdeep has risen and performed so well for the franchise. However, the captain and the coach went ahead with this decision, and that is it," the source told PTI. Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians in 2024 and took over as captain from Rohit Sharma. However, his second stint did not produce the expected results, with Mumbai failing to reach the playoffs in two of the three seasons under his leadership. Arshdeep, meanwhile, has been a key member of Punjab Kings for several seasons. His consistent IPL performances helped him earn a place in the national side, and he is currently India's highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals. Punjab Kings reached their first IPL final since 2014 under Shreyas last year. The team also made a strong start to the 2026 season but lost momentum in the latter half of the tournament and missed out on a playoff spot. Hardik is expected to join the franchise as a player, with Punjab looking to strengthen their all-round options. However, the India international has not featured in competitive cricket since the previous IPL season due to a series of injury concerns. The trade comes ahead of the November 17 deadline for player retentions, which the BCCI has extended to allow franchises to complete their transactions. The IPL mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16. Punjab Kings are also considering releasing Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera ahead of the auction. (With inputs from PTI) Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Hardik Pandya transfer Arshdeep Singh trade Punjab Kings Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 news Shreyas Iyer captain BCCI player retention cricket news India BCCI (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Hardik Pandya transfer Arshdeep Singh trade Punjab Kings Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 news Shreyas Iyer captain BCCI player retention cricket news India BCCI Prime Exclusives Investment Ideas Stock Report Plus ePaper Wealth Edition Junk bonds are cracking at the bottom. Will the noise get loud enough to make ‘junk bond’ a household term again? PNG connections rise half a million, but how many use piped gas for cooking? Some elections matter more than you know: No crop changed in the fields, yet sugar, coffee and soya got cheaper in a day You can buy a walkie-talkie online. But can you legally use it? KYB and KYC: Quick commerce, the Damani premium and what DMart must deliver – 3rd and concluding part KYC and KYB: Inside Damani’s DMart, the retail chain for the middle class. And stock for the long term? – Part 2 of 3 1 2 3 View all Stories