In a much-anticipated move, the transfer of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians has been successfully concluded. This significant one-way transaction, executed entirely in cash, marks the return of the 30-year-old all-rounder to the franchise where he claimed four title victories.

Concurrently, Mumbai Indians have fortified their financial stance to facilitate Pandya’s acquisition. This was achieved by trading Cameron Green to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in an all-cash deal valued at INR 17.5 crore, equivalent to the league-assessed worth of the Australian all-rounder.

The strategic financial maneuvers extend beyond merely finalizing Pandya’s trade with the Gujarat Titans. They also position the five-time champions with substantial resources earmarked for the upcoming IPL 2024 auction scheduled in Dubai on December 19.

Cricbuzz, a reliable source, has confirmed the formalization of agreements among all three franchises involved: Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. These deals were officially penned on Sunday, November 26, coinciding with the last day for releases and retentions for IPL 2024. Notably, both the MI-GT transfer and the deal between MI and RCB did not involve a third player.

Insiders from the BCCI and IPL have attested to the formal approval granted for these cash-exclusive trades. Though the precise value remains undisclosed, it’s noteworthy that Pandya’s league fee for the year stands at INR 15 crore.

The execution of these trades unfolded amidst dramatic twists and turns, following the retention deadline that concluded at 5 PM IST on Sunday. Initially listed as retained players by their original franchises—Gujarat and Mumbai—both Pandya and Green were transferred after the retention deadline had lapsed.

As previously reported by Cricbuzz, the trading window remains open until one week before the auction, allowing trades to be executed until December 12. However, all three franchises concluded the transfers late on Sunday evening. Expect official announcements from the franchises and the BCCI regarding these transactions shortly.

This strategic maneuver in the IPL 2024 trading landscape has been a focal point, unraveling the financial strategies and player acquisitions that shape the competitive cricketing world.