IPL 2027 could see Hardik Pandya move to Punjab Kings in a reported swap for Arshdeep Singh. Here are the key details, approval process and biggest IPL trades
New Delhi: Mumbai Indians are reportedly preparing to trade Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings in exchange for Arshdeep Singh ahead of IPL 2027. The proposed swap has attracted considerable attention, but the franchises have not officially announced the deal yet. Both teams have reportedly submitted expressions of interest to the IPL, with player consent, final negotiations and league approval still to follow. If the remaining steps go through, the move could become one of the biggest player exchanges ahead of an IPL season.
The Hardik-Arshdeep swap: what’s reported
According to Source November 6-7 report, Mumbai Indians are set to send Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings in exchange for Arshdeep Singh. The proposed deal would bring two established India internationals into new IPL environments.
Hardik reportedly informed Mumbai Indians after IPL 2026 that he wanted to leave the franchise. Mumbai subsequently explored trade possibilities with almost every other team, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru reportedly the only exception.
Punjab’s offer of Arshdeep appears to have emerged as the preferred option. The left-arm fast bowler has represented Punjab since his IPL debut in 2019. A move to Mumbai would mark the first time he has played for another IPL franchise.
Arshdeep also brings considerable value as an international bowler. He has become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals and reached 38 wickets during 2026 by October 24, setting a new Indian record for the most T20I wickets in a calendar year at that stage.
Hardik’s fitness also remains a talking point. He has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2026, and Baroda left him out of its Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 squad as he continues his injury recovery.
What still has to happen
Although reports describe the deal as close, the franchises must complete the formal process before anyone can call it official.
Both Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have reportedly submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to the IPL. These submissions formally communicate their interest in acquiring the respective players.
The next steps involve written consent from Hardik and Arshdeep, final negotiations between the franchises and completion of the required paperwork. The IPL must then ratify the agreement.
Some reports have suggested that the paperwork is almost complete and an announcement could arrive shortly. However, neither franchise has officially confirmed the exchange.
There have also been reports about possible additional players. Vishnu Vinod could reportedly move from Punjab to Mumbai, while discussions around Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan have also attracted attention. These remain unconfirmed possibilities, not part of an officially announced deal.
How an IPL trade works
The IPL allows franchises to exchange contracted players outside the regular auction through a system called the trade window.
A trade window is a designated period when teams can negotiate player transfers. Franchises can either exchange players directly or agree on an all-cash deal in which one team transfers a player to another for an agreed amount.
The process requires approval from both franchises and consent from the player involved. A team cannot simply transfer a contracted player without following the prescribed procedure.
Retention means a franchise decides to keep a player for the next season rather than release him into the auction pool. Teams use retention decisions to protect their core squads and plan their auction budgets.
Ratification means the IPL officially approves the completed agreement. Until the league accepts the required documents and confirms the transfer, reports of a possible trade do not make it official.
Player salaries can also change during a trade, depending on the agreement between the franchises and the applicable IPL rules.
Key dates: November 17 and December 16
The IPL 2027 mini-auction calendar gives franchises two important dates to remember.
The retention deadline falls on November 17, 2026, after the BCCI extended the original November 15 deadline by two days. The change avoids a scheduling clash with India’s fifth ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
Teams must submit their final lists of retained and released players by the revised deadline.
The next major date is December 16, 2026, when the IPL will conduct its mini-auction in Goa. Franchises will use the auction to fill gaps in their squads and strengthen their combinations before the new season.
The Pant-Kuldeep swap, finalised in June
The proposed Hardik-Arshdeep exchange follows another major player trade involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav.
In June 2026, Delhi Capitals brought Pant back from Lucknow Super Giants at a revised league fee of ₹15 crore. Lucknow had acquired the wicketkeeper-batter for a record ₹27 crore during the 2025 mega-auction.
In exchange, Kuldeep Yadav moved from Delhi to Lucknow at his existing fee of ₹13.5 crore.
The IPL officially confirmed the deal on June 23, 2026. Pant had spent nine seasons with Delhi before joining Lucknow, while Kuldeep had represented the Capitals for five seasons.
The exchange gave both franchises an opportunity to reshape their squads around their requirements. Unlike the proposed Hardik-Arshdeep deal, the Pant-Kuldeep transfer has already received official confirmation.
Samson to Chennai, Jadeja to Rajasthan
Another significant trade ahead of IPL 2026 involved three established players: Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Chennai Super Kings acquired Rajasthan Royals captain Samson at his existing league fee of ₹18 crore. In return, Jadeja moved back to Rajasthan at a revised fee of ₹14 crore, while England all-rounder Sam Curran also joined the Royals.
The franchises announced the agreement on November 15, 2025
For Jadeja, the move marked a return to the franchise where he began his IPL career in 2008. Samson, meanwhile, joined Chennai after spending most of his IPL career with Rajasthan.
The same trade period also saw Mohammed Shami move from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹10 crore ahead of IPL 2026. These transfers showed how franchises use the trading window to address squad requirements without waiting for the auction.
Hardik’s first trade, in 2024
Hardik’s proposed move to Punjab would mark his second major franchise transfer in three years.
Before IPL 2024, Gujarat Titans traded him to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal worth ₹15 crore. Hardik had captained Gujarat for two seasons and guided the team to the IPL title in its debut campaign in 2022.
He returned to Mumbai, the franchise where he began his IPL career, and replaced Rohit Sharma as captain ahead of the 2024 season.
The same trading period also saw Cameron Green move from Mumbai Indians to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹17.5 crore.
Hardik’s possible move to Punjab would therefore mark another major change in his IPL career, with the all-rounder potentially joining his third franchise.
Why trades change teams
IPL trades allow franchises to address weaknesses before the auction begins.
A team that needs a specialist fast bowler can approach another franchise with a suitable offer. Similarly, a side looking for an experienced all-rounder can negotiate a player exchange instead of relying entirely on the auction.
Trades also help teams manage their salary commitments and auction purses. A franchise can bring in a player who better suits its playing conditions, team combination or long-term plans.
For Mumbai, Arshdeep could offer another left-arm pace option alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Punjab, meanwhile, could add Hardik’s batting, bowling and experience to its all-rounder department.
The move could also give both players a fresh start after their respective campaigns in IPL 2026.
What we don’t know yet
Several details remain unclear. The franchises have not officially confirmed the Hardik-Arshdeep exchange, and the final financial terms have not been disclosed.
The reports about Vishnu Vinod and other possible player movements also need official confirmation. Hardik’s recovery from injury remains another important factor ahead of IPL 2027.
The next few days could bring clarity as franchises prepare their retention lists before November 17. Until the IPL completes its approval process, the proposed blockbuster swap remains a developing story.
