Hardik Pandya To MI And? 5 Most Expensive Trade Deals In IPL History

Anurag Dasgupta

Most expensive trade deals [Source: @iplt20.com] Most expensive trade deals [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is done and dusted and despite the next season being 9 months away, the buzz has already started and it is partly due to the IPL trade window, which opened after the 2025 season ended. The first half of the trade window will remain open till seven days before the IPL 2026 mini auction.

This time period allows all ten franchises to strengthen their squad and make it better for the next season. The rumours of trade deals have already started and as per Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings are eyeing Rajasthan Royals skipper, Sanju Samson, and it could turn out to be the most expensive trade deal in IPL history.

In IPL, players are traded on the same salary as their current contract. Samson earns 18 crore and if the deal goes through, it will be the most expensive trade deal. In this piece, we will talk about 5 of the most expensive trade deals which have taken place in IPL history.

1) Cameron Green - MI To RCB (17.5 crore)

Aussie all-rounder, Cameron Green was a part of the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season and he did exceedingly well and slammed a brilliant century. He was one of the shining lights of the MI side that season as RCB decided to try their luck.

It was an all-cash deal as the defending IPL champions, RCB gave 17.5 crore to the Mumbai Indians and purchased the services of Green as it became the most expensive trade deal of the IPL.

2) Hardik Pandya - GT To MI (15 crore)

One of the most controversial IPL trade deals in recent history, Hardik Pandya started his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians but ahead of the 2022 season, Gujarat Titans appointed him as their new captain. However, two seasons later, MI came calling as they decided to pay 15 crores and Hardik re-joined the MI squad, and it became the second most expensive trade deal.

3) Shardul Thakur - DC To KKR (10.75 crore)

Ahead of the 2023 IPL season, the Kolkata Knight Riders decided to play a punt as they made up their minds to buy the player. DC acquired him for a whopping 10.75 crore and KKR paid the price to buy his services. This came back to haunt them as Shardul had an average stint with the Knight Riders.

4) Lockie Ferguson - GT To KKR (10 crore)

The New Zealand pacer, Lockie Ferguson was signed by debutant Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2022 season. He was bought for 10 crores but was let go ahead of the next season as KKR once again was at the center and bought his services. Interestingly, this was a player-to-player deal as KKR offered Rahmanullah Gurbaz in return.

5) Avesh Khan - LSG To RR (10 crore)

Ahead of the 2024 season, RR and LSG were involved in a trade deal which involved Avesh Khan and Devdutt Padikkal. He was bought for 10 crores by LSG in 2022 and after playing for two seasons, Avesh went to RR as Padikkal went the other way. However, just after a season, LSG decided to buy him back for 9.75 crores.