Mumbai trade captain Pandya to Punjab in exchange for Arshdeep in IPL

Dubai: Hardik Pandya will join Punjab Kings at a salary of Rs 18 crore, making it Rs 1.65 crore higher than his previous Rs 16.35 crore with Mumbai Indians. The allrounder, who captained Mumbai since 2024, is moving in exchange for left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who will join MI for the same fee. This marks the end of Hardik's second tenure with Mumbai Indians, after he began his IPL career there in 2015 and played for Gujarat Titans for two seasons.

Hardik won four IPL titles with Mumbai before returning to MI in 2024, but his captaincy did not yield consistent success, with Mumbai finishing last in his first season as captain and ninth in 2026. Arshdeep, meanwhile, is leaving Punjab after eight seasons and 96 appearances, having claimed 111 wickets for the franchise, making him the leading wicket-taker in its history.

The trade comes as Mumbai Indians undergo a major overhaul of their coaching and management structure, with Kieron Pollard taking over as head coach. The move also leaves the five-time champions searching for a new captain ahead of the next IPL season.