How Franchises Build Super Squads Before The Season? News24 –
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about big sixes, last-ball thrillers, and packed stadiums. In recent years, the action has extended far beyond the boundary ropes – into a world of boardroom negotiations, high-stakes deals, and player trades.
This behind-the-scenes drama is known as the IPL trade window, and it’s quickly becoming as fascinating as the games themselves.
According to a Gujarat Titans official, on the mechanics behind IPL trades, he said “In Hardik’s case, Mumbai Indians began discussions with Titans immediately after the 2023 IPL to figure whether it would be an all-cash trade or a player swap.”
Apart from this, An IPL franchise official said “What finally ends up in a trade is not necessarily the be-all and end-all of trading. There has been a significant amount of active discussions… The seriousness with which squads have been looked at, and the strategies followed, keeping in mind the nature, integrity and composition of the team, were of the highest order.”
The former Indian spin-legend Ravichandran Ashwin also shared a candid take earlier on the speculated Hardik Pandya transfer. “If it’s (Pandya to MI) true, Mumbai Indians have struck gold. So, it’s a complete cash deal from whatever I read. There’s no player that Mumbai is giving.”
What Exactly is the IPL Trade Window?
Think of it as cricket’s version of a transfer market – similar to football’s. It’s a period before and after the annual IPL auction when franchises can trade players.
These trades can happen in two ways:
All-Cash Deals – A team pays another franchise a transfer fee to acquire a player.
Player Swaps – One or more players are exchanged between teams, with or without an additional cash adjustment.
For instance, if Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were to successfully sign Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK would pay a transfer fee to RR. Samson’s Rs 18 crore salary would then shift from RR’s budget to CSK’s, but his contract terms – duration, pay, perks would remain unchanged.
How Big Can These Deals Get?
There’s no official cap on transfer fees, unlike the auction purse limit. This means financially strong franchises can flex their muscle, offering huge sums to lure star players away from other teams.
A portion of the transfer fee-up to 50% in some cases can also go directly to the player, making trades potentially lucrative for cricketers themselves.
One of the most famous examples came two seasons ago when Hardik Pandya made a blockbuster return to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans. While the exact figure was never revealed, it was widely reported to be one of the most expensive trades in IPL history.
When Does the Trade Window Open?
The trade window kicks off about a month after the IPL season ends and runs until a week before the next auction.
During this period:
One-way trades happen when a player moves for cash.
Two-way trades involve player-for-player swaps, sometimes with an added cash balance.
All deals must be cleared by the IPL Governing Council.
Right now, as the IPL 2026 auction looms on the horizon, we’re entering the peak rumor season. Expect whispers of big-name moves, with franchises quietly striking deals in the background.
Rules That Franchises Must Follow
Player Consent is Key – No player can be traded without agreeing to the move.
Two Trade Types – Cash-based deals or player swaps are the only formats allowed.
Council Approval – Every trade must be vetted and approved before it’s official.
Why is the Trade Window So Important?
It’s not just about fixing last season’s mistakes – it’s about shaping the future.
The trade window gives teams an early chance to address weaknesses, strengthen core departments, and even make bold moves to shift the league’s balance of power.
For franchises, this is their chance to grab a missing puzzle piece before the auction frenzy begins. For fans, it’s a tantalizing preview of the next season’s strategies.
The Road Ahead – Expect Fireworks
If the past is anything to go by, the coming months could be explosive. Rumors of Sanju Samson to CSK are already making waves, but that’s likely just the start.
With IPL 2026 still months away, the chessboard is being set one quiet trade, one whispered negotiation at a time. By the time the first ball is bowled, the shape of the season could be decided not just on the pitch, but in the deal-making rooms of the IPL’s biggest franchises.