The Indian Premier League trade window is buzzing with activity as another potential blockbuster move involving pace spearhead Mohammed Shami gains momentum. While the Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson trade dominated headlines, attention has now shifted to Shami's possible transfer from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The Trade Agreement Taking Shape
According to reliable reports, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants have reached an agreement in principle for Mohammed Shami's transfer before the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The trade, which is expected to be finalized imminently, will see Shami joining the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise in what promises to be a significant boost to their bowling arsenal.
The proposed deal involves an all-cash transaction worth ₹10 crore, matching the exact amount Sunrisers Hyderabad paid to acquire Shami during the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move comes at a crucial time, with franchises required to submit their final retention lists to the IPL Governing Council by 3 PM IST on November 15.
LSG's Cryptic Social Media Hint
Adding fuel to the speculation fire, Lucknow Super Giants recently posted a mysterious message on their social media platforms that sent fans into a frenzy. The franchise shared an image depicting Mohammed Shami's bowling lines to England's Ben Stokes during the memorable 2023 ODI World Cup encounter at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
In that particular match, Shami delivered a spectacular performance, clean bowling Stokes for a 10-ball duck as India secured a comprehensive 100-run victory. LSG captioned their post with the intriguing phrase: "Just thinking about this Ekana moment for no reason," leaving cricket enthusiasts connecting the dots about Shami's potential arrival.
What Shami Brings to Lucknow Super Giants
The potential acquisition of Mohammed Shami addresses several critical concerns for the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow franchise. The team experienced significant bowling challenges during the previous season, primarily due to injuries affecting key pace bowlers including Mayank Yadav, Moshin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep.
Shami's inclusion would provide much-needed experience, depth, and firepower, particularly during the crucial powerplay overs. With an impressive tally of 133 IPL wickets to his name, the veteran pacer brings substantial tournament expertise that could prove invaluable for the Super Giants.
Statistics reveal Shami's exceptional effectiveness during his tenure with Gujarat Titans, where he claimed 28 wickets in the first six overs – the highest among all bowlers during that phase. Additionally, his reunion with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun at LSG creates a familiar working relationship that could maximize his performance potential.
As the IPL retention deadline approaches, all eyes remain on whether this high-profile trade will materialize, potentially reshaping Lucknow Super Giants' bowling dynamics for the upcoming 2026 season.
