Hardik Pandya is all set to leave the Indian Premier League franchise (IPL) Gujarat Titans to return to his old home Mumbai Indians where he started his journey back in 2015, according to reports. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, the trade will be in an all-cash deal comprising Mumbai paying INR 15 crore ($1.8 million approx.) as Hardik’s salary and an undisclosed transfer fee to Titans. Hardik stands to earn up to 50% of the transfer fee.
However, a source privy to Gujarat Titans after growing rumors has claimed that they can’t afford to lose Hardik after two great seasons. If the deal goes through it will possibly be the biggest player trade in IPL history. Neither franchise has yet made any public comment on the trade though.
Also, Hardik will become the third captain to be traded after R Ashwin moved from Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals traded Ajinkya Rahane also to Capitals, in 2020. The biggest challenge for Mumbai Indians will be having adequate purses for the trade. After the last auction, Mumbai had just INR 0.05 crore ($6000 approx.) left.
Also Read: KL Rahul named vice-captain as Hardik Pandya ruled out, BCCI reports
Franchises will get an additional INR 5 crore ($600,000 approx.) in their purse for the forthcoming auction. This only means Mumbai needs to release player(s) to finish the Hardik trade. The retention deadline expires on November 26 at 4 pm IST.
Hardik led Titans to the title in 2022, their debut season in the IPL, and was the Player of the Match in the final against Rajasthan Royals. In 2023, the Titans made the IPL final for the second time in two seasons, where they came runners-up to Chennai Super Kings. In both seasons, under Hardik’s leadership, Titans had finished top of the points table in the league stage.
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