What is IPL trade window? (Photo- PTI)
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, the trading window is in the news. This is a special system which gives the franchise an opportunity to strengthen its team before the auction. Without auction, players can move from one team to another, which brings a big change in strategy. This time a trade is expected between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. According to the report, Rajasthan Royals can trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to CSK in exchange for Sanju Samson. Let us understand what this trade window is, how it works and what are its rules.
What is IPL trade window?
Trade window is the time during which any IPL franchise can exchange players with another franchise. All 10 teams use this window to strengthen their weak links. This window starts exactly 7 days after the end of the IPL season and closes 7 days before the auction. During this period, any franchise can trade players with any of the remaining 9 teams. However, one important rule is that a new player recently bought in the auction cannot be traded before the start of the season. He is considered available for trading only after the next season. The good thing is that there is no cap on trade, the team can trade as many players as it wants.
Three important methods of trading
Trading of players can happen in three different ways, depending on the needs and agreements of the franchise.
Swap without money: Both teams can exchange players without any cash transaction. If there is a difference in the salaries of the players being swapped, then the team that takes the player with higher salary has to pay the difference amount to the other team. Like Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja are players worth Rs 18 crore each, in such a situation if there is a trade only between these two players, then no team will have to pay any separate amount.
Contract Value Transfer: If a team wants to take a player by paying him money equal to his original purchase amount, then this can happen. For example, if a player was bought for Rs 10 crore, then the new team will have to add him to their team by paying the same amount to the old team. There will be no need to trade any other player in this.
Fixed amount on mutual agreement: Both the franchisees can decide a fixed amount among themselves and on the basis of that the trade is completed. This amount is not made public, which makes the deal confidential. As Mumbai Indians did while trading Hardik Pandya to Gujarat Titans.
What things are important to keep in mind in trading?
Player Consent Mandatory: Trades cannot be made without player approval. His opinion is supreme.
Team approval: The team from which the player is leaving also has to agree to the trade.
Adjustment of salary difference: If two players are being swapped and their salaries are different, then the team that takes the higher earning player has to pay the difference amount. Which is deducted from their purse.