Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings? IPL 2027 trade with Arshdeep Singh reported close
Media reports say Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings agree in principle to swap Hardik Pandya for Arshdeep Singh. What is confirmed and when we will know.
Hardik Pandya could be leaving Mumbai Indians. According to media reports in India on Tuesday, 3 November, Mumbai and Punjab Kings have reached an agreement in principle for a trade that would send the India all-rounder to Punjab, with left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod moving to Mumbai.
Neither franchise, the players nor the IPL has confirmed it. Treat it as a strong report, not a done deal.
What the reports say
Senior officials at both teams have reportedly agreed the terms, and the paperwork is expected to go to the IPL for approval. Under IPL rules a trade only becomes official when the league announces it.
The timing fits the calendar. The BCCI told franchises on Monday that the retention deadline for IPL 2027 has moved from 15 November to 17 November, so any deal needs to be filed by then. Mumbai had reportedly also discussed options with other teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, before talks with Punjab moved ahead.
If Arshdeep goes, Punjab are reported to be looking at other fast bowlers, but those talks are at a very early stage.
Why Mumbai might let Hardik go
Hardik came back to Mumbai before the 2024 season in an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans, whom he had led to the IPL title in 2022 in their first season. He replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai captain, a move that split the fan base, and his three seasons in charge have been hard: Mumbai finished near the bottom twice, and in 2026 they won only four of 14 matches to finish ninth.
India captain Shubman Gill also said on Tuesday that Hardik would play some domestic cricket before returning to the India side.
Why it matters to Pakistani fans
IPL trades get followed closely in Pakistan, where fans know both players well. Arshdeep has been one of India’s main new-ball bowlers in T20s, including against Pakistan, and Hardik has been central in the big India-Pakistan white-ball games, with bat and ball. A move would make Punjab Kings, part-owned by actor Preity Zinta, one of the most watched teams of the next IPL.
When we will know
The IPL is expected to publish retention lists and confirmed trades after the 17 November deadline. Until then, anything beyond the reported agreement is speculation. The IPL 2027 auction date has not yet been announced.
