In one of the marquee moves ahead of IPL 2026, veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has officially completed his trade to Lucknow Super Giants from Sunrisers Hyderabad. The all-cash deal, finalized on November 14, 2025, sees LSG paying SRH Rs 10 crore—the exact amount Hyderabad invested in acquiring Shami during the IPL 2025 mega auction. This strategic acquisition addresses LSG’s urgent need for experienced pace bowling depth while giving Shami an opportunity to redeem himself after a challenging 2025 season and reunite with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun.
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The Deal Structure: Rs 10 Crore All-Cash Transaction
Unlike the complex multi-player trades dominating recent IPL headlines—such as the Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson swap between CSK and RR—Mohammed Shami’s move to LSG represents a straightforward financial transaction. Lucknow Super Giants paid Sunrisers Hyderabad the full Rs 10 crore in cash, matching Shami’s original auction price without any player exchanges or additional considerations.
Mohammed Shami Trade Details
| Trade Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Mohammed Shami |
| From Franchise | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) |
| To Franchise | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) |
| Deal Type | All-cash transaction |
| Transfer Fee | Rs 10 crore |
| Contract Duration | IPL 2026 season |
| Official Confirmation | November 15, 2025 |
The transaction required approval from all three parties—SRH, LSG, and Mohammed Shami himself. Both franchises agreed in principle before the November 15 retention deadline, with Shami providing his written consent to facilitate the move. The IPL Governing Council ratified the trade following submission of all required paperwork, making it official hours before the 3 PM retention deadline.
Why LSG Targeted Mohammed Shami
Lucknow Super Giants’ pursuit of Mohammed Shami stems from multiple strategic considerations. The franchise faces a bowling crisis with three of their primary Indian pacers—Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan—currently in rehabilitation for various injuries. None of these bowlers are available for domestic cricket, creating uncertainty about their availability for IPL 2026.
LSG’s cryptic social media post on November 14 essentially confirmed the deal before official announcements. The franchise shared an iconic image of Mohammed Shami bowling England’s Ben Stokes during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup match at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The caption read: “Just thinking about this Ekana moment for no reason,” accompanied by a winking emoji. Fans immediately recognized this as confirmation that Shami would play his home games at the very venue where he delivered match-winning performances for India.
LSG’s Pace Bowling Situation
The acquisition of Mohammed Shami provides LSG with a proven wicket-taker who brings 133 IPL wickets across 119 matches since his 2013 debut. His experience leading pace attacks and ability to strike early with the new ball address gaps that plagued LSG’s bowling department during their disappointing 2025 campaign.
At Lucknow, Shami reunites with Bharat Arun, who serves as LSG’s head of talent development. Arun coached Shami during his tenure as India’s bowling coach, establishing a working relationship built on mutual understanding. This familiarity could prove crucial in helping Shami rediscover the form that made him one of the IPL’s most feared new-ball operators.
Mohammed Shami’s IPL Journey: From Purple Cap to Struggles
To understand the significance of this trade, one must examine Mohammed Shami’s recent IPL trajectory. His golden period came with Gujarat Titans from 2022-2024, where he established himself as an elite powerplay specialist. During IPL 2022 and 2023 combined, Shami took 28 wickets in the first six overs—significantly ahead of Trent Boult (20) and Mohammed Siraj (15), who finished second and third respectively in that category.
| Season | Franchise | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | 16 | 20 | 8.00 | Leading wicket-taker in GT’s title-winning campaign |
| 2023 | Gujarat Titans | 17 | 28 | 8.03 | Purple Cap winner (most wickets in season) |
| 2024 | Gujarat Titans | – | – | – | Missed entire season due to injury |
| 2025 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 9 | 6 | 11.10 | Below-par performance post-injury |
Mohammed Shami’s 2023 season stands as his career-best IPL campaign. He claimed the Purple Cap with 28 wickets, dismantling batting lineups with his impeccable seam position and ability to move the ball both ways. His performances were instrumental in Gujarat Titans reaching the playoffs, cementing his reputation as one of the tournament’s premier fast bowlers.
However, injury struck in late 2023, sidelining Shami for the entire 2024 IPL season. This prolonged absence raised questions about his fitness and whether he could regain his devastating form. When Sunrisers Hyderabad invested Rs 10 crore in him at the 2025 mega auction, expectations were high that he would spearhead their pace attack.
The Disappointing SRH Chapter
Mohammed Shami’s stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad proved underwhelming. In nine matches during IPL 2025, he managed just six wickets at an alarming economy rate exceeding 11 runs per over. His powerplay performance—once his greatest strength—collapsed dramatically. After taking 28 powerplay wickets over 2022-23, Shami claimed only five wickets in nine powerplay innings for SRH with an economy of 10.3.
Multiple factors contributed to this decline. Post-injury, Shami struggled with rhythm, pace, and his signature seam movement. His speeds dropped, and the razor-sharp accuracy that made him lethal with the new ball appeared diminished. These struggles coincided with broader fitness concerns that have kept him out of India’s national team despite strong domestic performances.
SRH’s coaching staff, led by head coach Daniel Vettori, faced difficult decisions about Shami’s future. The franchise deliberated whether to persist with the veteran or seek alternatives. When LSG’s trade offer arrived, SRH saw an opportunity to recoup their investment while freeing up Rs 10 crore for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Reports suggest captain Pat Cummins urged management to target Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, requiring substantial auction funds that Shami’s departure provides.
Shami’s India Exile: The National Team Snub
Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from India’s national team adds context to this trade’s significance. The 35-year-old hasn’t represented India since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Despite impressive Ranji Trophy performances—15 wickets in three matches for Bengal—selectors have overlooked him for crucial series.
He missed selection for:
- Home Test series against West Indies (October 2025)
- Ongoing two-Test series against South Africa
- Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
- Asia Cup tournament
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar consistently cited match fitness concerns as the primary reason for Shami’s omission. However, Mohammed Shami has publicly disputed these assessments, pointing to his regular domestic cricket appearances as evidence of fitness. This disconnect between player and selectors has created a frustrating situation for one of India’s most successful fast bowlers.
Shami himself admitted going through a “difficult phase” mentally as he watches from the sidelines while younger pacers establish themselves in the national setup. The IPL 2026 season represents a crucial opportunity to showcase fitness and form, potentially forcing selectors to reconsider his international future.
What This Means for LSG’s IPL 2026 Campaign
Mohammed Shami’s arrival significantly alters Lucknow Super Giants’ composition ahead of the mini-auction. With new captain Rishabh Pant leading the franchise, LSG needed experienced bowlers who could mentor younger pacers while delivering wickets in pressure situations.
The local connection adds another dimension. Shami playing at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow—his adopted home ground during World Cup 2023—creates emotional investment and familiarity with conditions. The venue’s pitch characteristics suit his bowling style, offering pace and bounce that rewards disciplined seam bowling.
LSG’s pace attack for IPL 2026 now potentially includes:
- Mohammed Shami – Experienced new-ball specialist
- Avesh Khan – If recovered from injury, provides express pace
- Mayank Yadav – Raw speed merchant (injury concerns)
- Mohsin Khan – Left-arm variation (rehabilitation ongoing)
- Prince Yadav – Developing talent
- Arjun Tendulkar – Recently traded from Mumbai Indians
This combination blends experience with youth, though fitness concerns surrounding Avesh, Mayank, and Mohsin mean Mohammed Shami’s reliability becomes even more critical. The franchise will likely target additional pace options at the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi to ensure sufficient depth.
Strategic Implications for IPL 2026
Mohammed Shami’s trade to LSG represents the second major player movement following the Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson deal between CSK and RR. These transactions demonstrate how franchises utilize the trade window to address specific needs without exhausting auction budgets on established players.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, releasing Shami provides financial flexibility and roster spots for targeted acquisitions. The franchise can now pursue Cameron Green aggressively while maintaining funds for other auction targets. SRH’s pace attack already features Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and emerging talents, making Shami’s departure manageable.
The December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi will be crucial for both franchises. Unlike mega auctions, this single-day event offers limited player pools, making pre-auction trades particularly valuable for securing desired talent. LSG acquiring Mohammed Shami before the auction prevents bidding wars and ensures they enter with clear auction strategies.
A Point to Prove: Shami’s Redemption Arc
At 35, Mohammed Shami enters a critical phase of his T20 career. The disappointing 2025 season, combined with national team exile, has created doubts about his ability to compete at elite levels. LSG’s investment represents a vote of confidence that Shami can rediscover his 2023 form.
The reunion with Bharat Arun could prove pivotal. Arun understands Shami’s bowling mechanics, mental approach, and what triggers his best performances. This coaching relationship, combined with reduced pressure playing for his home franchise, might provide the environment Shami needs to excel.
Success at LSG could have implications beyond IPL 2026. Strong performances might force India selectors to reconsider his exclusion, particularly with the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching. While Shami’s primary focus remains white-ball cricket at this stage, proving fitness and form in the IPL represents his clearest path back to international consideration.
FAQs
How much did LSG pay for Mohammed Shami?
Lucknow Super Giants paid Sunrisers Hyderabad Rs 10 crore in an all-cash deal for Mohammed Shami. This matched the exact amount SRH spent to acquire him at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Why did SRH release Mohammed Shami? .
Sunrisers Hyderabad released Mohammed Shami due to his underwhelming 2025 IPL performance (6 wickets in 9 matches with economy over 11) and to free up Rs 10 crore for the mini-auction to pursue other targets like Cameron Green
What is Mohammed Shami’s IPL record?
Mohammed Shami has taken 133 wickets in 119 IPL matches since his 2013 debut. His best season came in 2023 when he won the Purple Cap with 28 wickets for Gujarat Titans.
Will Mohammed Shami play for India again?
Mohammed Shami hasn’t played for India since March 2025 Champions Trophy final. Despite strong Ranji Trophy performances, selectors cite fitness concerns. Strong IPL 2026 performances could force reconsideration of his international exclusion.
When does IPL 2026 mini-auction take place?
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Unlike mega auctions, this will be a single-day event with limited player availability.