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Mohammed Shami for SRH - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, India's star bowler Mohammed Shami has been traded to Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026. The 35-year-old has ended his year-long association with Sunrisers Hyderabad and is all set to play under Rishabh Pant's leadership.
According to Cricinfo report, the 35-year-old will shift bases after an all-cash deal between the two parties. Shami, who was bought for 10 crores during the 2025 mega-auction, will earn the same at LSG for the upcoming edition.
Shami set to reunite with Bharat Arun
LSG had a terrible IPL 2025, as they finished seventh and underwent a major overhaul before the upcoming edition. Notably, LSG roped in Bharat Arun to oversee the talent development as the Super Giants really struggled to put up a bowling unit last season.
In first, Bharat Arun roped in Arjun Tendulkar from LSG, and now Shami is all set to reunite with the former India bowling coach. Notably, Shami and Arun have worked a lot together when Arun served with Team India. Now, it will be interesting to see how Arun will utilise Shami, who has been struggling with fitness and injury issues.
For the unversed, Shami missed IPL 2024 because of his heel injury and had a terrible IPL 2025, where he picked up just six wickets in nine innings, bowling at an expensive economy of 11.23.
Delhi Capitals ignored in three-way race for Shami
Notably, Lucknow Super Giants were not the only team interested in Shami, as Delhi Capitals too wanted to bring the right-arm seamer into their squad for IPL 2026.
However, the ball was in SRH's court to decide which offer suited them the most and eventually, the Men in Orange decided to go ahead with LSG.
