Arshdeep Singh trade to Mumbai Indians confirmed by father in Hamilton
Arshdeep Singh's transfer from Punjab Kings to Mumbai Indians was confirmed on November 10, 2026, in Hamilton, New Zealand, by his father on the same day the third ODI between India and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. The fast bowler was in New Zealand as part of India's ODI squad when the family learned of the move.
Speaking to sports journalist Vimal Kumar in Hamilton, Arshdeep's father said the family heard about the development unexpectedly and expressed mixed feelings about the change. "Yes, the trade is done. We are happy with Mumbai Indians," he said. "We also got to know it out of nowhere. There was a slight sadness that he is going away from his native place. But all franchises want to create a balance in the team, so they traded him. We are very happy with Mumbai Indians as well," he added.
Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have been negotiating a swap that would involve Hardik Pandya, and India Today has reported that the initial paperwork for the trade has been completed. The clubs have worked on the proposal "for quite some time," according to the report, while the transaction remains subject to formal approval before it can be announced.
Arshdeep has spent his entire IPL career with Punjab after making his debut in 2019, and India Today recorded that he has taken 111 wickets in 96 matches. The report noted his ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers at the death as attributes Mumbai would acquire, and said he could partner Jasprit Bumrah in the pace attack.
The article added that Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar could also feature in Mumbai's attack if they are retained, but "their places in the squad are not yet confirmed." It also said Arshdeep's arrival would give Mumbai the option of assembling an overseas combination without relying on a foreign fast bowler.
For Punjab Kings, the proposed incoming player would bring balance: Hardik Pandya's value was described as adding power to the middle order and offering another seam-bowling option. The report stated he would move to Punjab purely as a player, with "Shreyas expected to continue as captain," and outlined Hardik's previous stints — with Mumbai from 2015 to 2021, captaining Gujarat Titans to the title in their debut 2022 season, then returning to Mumbai ahead of IPL 2024 and leading the side for the next three seasons.
The trade still requires formal approval from the BCCI and the IPL governing council before becoming official. The BCCI has extended the deadline to submit retained and released player lists to November 17 from the original November 15, the IPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16 in Goa, and the current pre-auction trading window is expected to remain open until December 9, giving franchises further time to complete eligible deals subject to BCCI approval.
