The Indian Premier League (IPL) features behind-the-scenes action through player trades, known as the IPL trade window. This process is as captivating as the games.
According to a Gujarat Titans official, Mumbai Indians began discussions with the Titans immediately after the 2023 IPL season to explore the possibility of trading for Hardik Pandya, either through an all-cash deal or a player swap.
Another IPL franchise official said that a significant amount of discussion and planning went into player trades. The franchise considered the nature, integrity, and composition of the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin commented on the rumored Hardik Pandya transfer. He said if the transfer happened, Mumbai Indians had struck gold, especially if it was a complete cash deal.
The IPL trade window functions like a transfer market. Franchises trade players before and after the annual IPL auction through all-cash deals or player swaps.
For example, if Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were to acquire Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK would pay a transfer fee to RR. Samson’s salary would then shift from RR’s budget to CSK’s, but his contract terms would remain unchanged.
There is no official cap on transfer fees. This lets financially strong franchises offer big sums to attract star players. Up to 50% of the transfer fee can go directly to the player, making trades lucrative.
An example is when Hardik Pandya went back to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans two seasons ago. The exact amount was not revealed, but it was reported as one of the most expensive trades in IPL history.
The trade window opens about a month after the IPL season ends and closes a week before the next auction. During this period, one-way trades involve cash payments, and two-way trades involve player swaps, sometimes with a cash adjustment. All deals must be approved by the IPL Governing Council.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, there will likely be rumors of big-name moves, with franchises quietly striking deals.
Player consent is key. Only cash deals or player swaps are allowed. All trades must be approved.
The trade window gives teams a chance to fix weaknesses and get the players they need before the auction. For fans, it’s a preview of the strategies for the next season.
The coming months could be exciting. Rumors of Sanju Samson to CSK are already making waves. The shape of the season could be determined in the deal-making rooms of the IPL’s biggest franchises.