IPL 2027: Top 3 trade deal rumours ahead of retention deadline

The IPL 2027 mini-auction is drawing closer, and franchises are working hard to reshape their squads before the retention deadline of November 17, 2026. The BCCI extended that deadline due to the India–New Zealand Fifth ODI fixture, giving teams a brief additional window to finalise any player movements.

Three names have dominated trade conversations in recent days: Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis and Liam Livingstone. Meanwhile, the outcomes of these deals are closely interlinked, with one transfer potentially triggering a chain of further moves across multiple franchises.

Here are the Top 3 trade deal rumours ahead of the retention deadline:

3. Liam Livingstone (SRH to CSK)

Ahead of IPL 2027, Chennai Super Kings are understood to be exploring the possibility of bringing England all-rounder Liam Livingstone into their setup. The Chennai-based franchise is looking to add more firepower to their middle order, and Livingstone's ability to clear the boundary quickly, combined with his dual spin options of leg-spin and off-spin, has made him an attractive target.

Sunrisers Hyderabad currently hold Livingstone's services, and any deal would require an agreement between CSK and SRH. However, no confirmed arrangement between the two franchises exists at this stage, and the rumour remains unverified beyond initial reports.