IPL Franchise Mumbai Indians trade Hardik from the Gujarat Titans and all-rounder Cameron Green to RCB
On Sunday, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians completed the trade for Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans and also traded their all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore in order to increase their purse for the auction of IPL players on December 19. The trades were confirmed by a BCCI official and confirmed by the IPL on Monday.
Nita Ambani, the owner of the Mumbai Indians, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It's a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indian family.” She further said, "From being a young scouted talent of the Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way, and we're excited for what the future holds for him and the Mumbai Indians!"
Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, said, "Seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians makes me very happy. It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays for. Hardik's first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint."
While the purse size of the Titans will increase by INR 15 crore, which was Hardik's salary, they will also receive from Mumbai an additional transfer fee, which they will need to disclose to the IPL. Hardik stands to earn up to 50% of that transfer fee from the Titans based on the mutual agreement.
The Mumbai Indians had released 11 players by the retention deadline, freeing up INR 15.25 crore in their auction purse. While that amount was just about enough to pay for the Hardik trade (INR 15 crore), it would have left Mumbai with very little to spend at the auction. By trading Green to RCB in an all-cash deal, however, Mumbai added another INR 17.50 crore to their purse.