Sunil Gavaskar calls for a major change in IPL 2027 trade deals

The question of which team Hardik Pandya will play for in IPL 2027 has become a major talking point in the cricketing world. According to reports, Kolkata Knight Riders are the closest to securing a trade for him, though it is difficult to say anything definitive until there is an official confirmation.

Speculation regarding Hardik Pandya joining various teams has been circulating since the conclusion of IPL 2026. Weighing in on this matter, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has stated that such trades should be conducted publicly. He wrote in his column that,

"There's some speculation in the media about the possible switching of players from one franchise to another. There's, of course, still some time before that window closes. However, while the transfer of a player from one franchise to another is in the public domain, when a trade takes place, the numbers are known only to the two franchises, the player, and the BCCI," Sunil Gavaskar wrote.

"In such a situation, the other franchises don't know whether the salary cap that every franchise has for its squad was maintained or breached. That's why it's important for full transparency that the numbers are also made public." he added.

Sunil Gavaskar further added that complete transparency would help the IPL maintain its high-profile standards.

"The IPL is the greatest T20 league in the world and it's therefore crucial that full transparency is maintained so that there's no finger-pointing at it from those jealous of it," he wrote further. 

Rumors about a potential split between Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya have been circulating since IPL 2026. Reports indicate that Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings are in constant contact with MI to bring Hardik into their squads. Additionally, Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals have also been linked to a potential trade for Hardik from MI.