New Delhi: Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been traded to Punjab Kings in exchange for pacer Arshdeep Singh, with Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings agreeing to the swap ahead of the IPL auction later this month.
An IPL source confirmed that the trade had been completed, adding that Hardik was happy to play under Shreyas Iyer, who is expected to continue as Punjab Kings captain.
“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.
“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.
“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 move brings an end to Hardik’s second stint with Mumbai Indians. He returned to the franchise in the 2024 season as captain, replacing long-serving skipper Rohit Sharma.
However, the move did not go according to plan, with the five-time champions failing to qualify for the playoffs in two of the three seasons since Hardik took over the leadership.