Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to trade for seasoned India fast bowler Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a significant move ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The deal is expected to be an
all-cash transaction worth around INR 10 crore, the same amount SRH paid to acquire Shami last season during the IPL 2025 mega auction. This trade comes after a challenging season for Shami at SRH, where he struggled with form, fitness, and rhythm, taking only six wickets in nine games with an economy rate exceeding 11 runs per over, the highest in his IPL career.
Shami, who has been a key strike bowler for India with a strong record in IPL powerplay overs during his stint at Gujarat Titans, missed IPL 2024 due to injury and could not replicate his earlier success in 2025. SRH's decision to trade Shami aligns with their reassessment of his role in the squad under head coach Daniel Vettori, especially considering his fitness issues and performance dip.
LSG's interest in Shami is partially driven by concerns over the fitness of their own Indian pacers-Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan-who are currently sidelined with injuries and undergoing rehabilitation. The acquisition of Shami could provide LSG with much-needed pace bowling firepower and experience as they rebuild their bowling attack after a season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances from their fast bowlers.
The Bengal pacer has been in excellent form in the Ranji Trophy. He was the star bowler for Bengal in the first two Ranji matches, picking up 15 wickets in them. Shami is also expected to feature for them in the upcoming Ranji match against Assam.
Shami, over the years, have played 119 IPL matche, picking up 133 wickets in the process. The 35-year-old started with Kolkata Knight Riders, and has since represented Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
