With Hardik Pandya travelling to Mohali and Arshdeep Singh travelling in the opposite direction, a one-for-one player trade between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians is about to become official. Both players have given their written approval to the deal, and both teams have submitted their Expressions of Interest in accordance with the BCCI-mandated transfer system. The arrangement does not include a third party.
Sources said that although Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have struck a deal, they are still working out the players’ approval. The IPL authorities must accept the documents once both players are satisfied with the trade’s fine print.
Midway through the previous season, it became evident that Hardik and MI would part ways when the five-time IPL champions were eliminated from the playoffs. Hardik’s return to MI for the 2024 season did not go as planned because the all-rounder was unable to motivate the club and replicate the outcomes he produced for the Gujarat Titans.
Cricbuzz reveals that BCCI states, “Only players whose names are included on an EOI Confirmation and for whom a signed Consent Form has been received by the BCCI may be traded.”
Now, the only procedural hurdle separating the two teams from an official statement is BCCI ratification. According to sources, the delay has been exacerbated by official vacations in India during this time. Pandya and Arshdeep will be enrolled under their new IPL 2027 franchises once the Board approves the paperwork, which is anticipated to happen soon. The requirements that must be met before any contract is recognised are clearly stated in the Board’s trade regulations.
It is interesting to note that GT had also engaged in negotiations to reclaim their former captain—this time as a player—but the negotiations ended in failure. Before entering into advanced negotiations with PBKS to bring together India’s top T20I new ball bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep, MI had been in contact with other teams.
