Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly close to finalising a blockbuster trade involving star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline.
Hardik has been linked with a move away from MI since the conclusion of IPL 2026, with several franchises reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring the all-rounder. However, according to a report in Sportstar, the top management of both MI and PBKS have all but agreed on the proposed deal.
As part of the reported trade, MI are set to receive Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod in exchange for Hardik.
“The Ricky Ponting-coached franchise has advanced considerably in its negotiations with Mumbai Indians, with India pacer Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod likely to move in the opposite direction,” the report stated.
However, neither franchise has officially commented on the proposed trade so far.
Earlier reports had suggested that Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were also interested in signing Hardik ahead of the retention deadline. However, KKR were reportedly the only franchise to have entered advanced negotiations with MI.
Mumbai were keen to acquire pacer Harshit Rana and batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi in exchange for Hardik, but KKR were reportedly unwilling to part ways with the duo.
In their discussions with RR, MI were reportedly interested in securing the services of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi. However, those negotiations failed to make significant progress.
Meanwhile, MI also approached CSK with a proposal involving young batter Ayush Mhatre. However, the Chennai-based franchise firmly rejected the offer.
Hardik has not featured in competitive cricket since the conclusion of IPL 2026, with several media reports suggesting that he is unlikely to return to action before IPL 2027.
If finalised, the proposed deal between MI and PBKS could trigger further movement in the IPL trade market. The Sportstar report also suggested that PBKS could approach Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a potential trade involving left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, with Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis reportedly being considered as an exchange option.
