Mohammed Shami Joins Lucknow Super Giants Ahead Of IPL 2026 Auction

Out-of-favour Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been successfully traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in an all-cash deal worth his existing fee of ₹10 crore, marking a fresh start for the veteran quick ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

November 15, 2025: The IPL trade window has sprung a major surprise with the announcement that veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will be joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after a one-season stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

The trade, confirmed by the IPL in an official statement, is an all-cash deal where LSG will pay SRH the ₹10 crore price for which Shami was acquired in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The move comes right before the November 15 deadline for franchises to submit their retention lists for the upcoming mini-auction.

A Move Driven by Performance and Need

Shami, who has 133 wickets across 119 IPL matches for five teams, had an unexpectedly quiet season with SRH in IPL 2025. Despite being the second-most expensive player bought by SRH, the 35-year-old pacer only managed six wickets in nine matches while struggling with a high economy rate, which eventually led to him being dropped from the playing XI.

The move to LSG, however, is a strategic one for the new franchise, which has struggled with the fitness of its Indian pace attack, including Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan.

IPL Statement: “The senior pacer brings a wealth of experience… Shami’s addition could be pivotal for LSG’s bowling arsenal, who are looking to add experience, depth, firepower and performance in the powerplay.”

LSG will be hoping Shami can recapture the form he displayed at the Gujarat Titans (GT), where he was a central figure in their success.

The Purple Cap Glory

Shami’s most successful period came with GT in 2022 and 2023. Although he missed the 2024 season due to a foot injury, his 2023 campaign was particularly impactful, as he finished as the league’s highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 17 matches, earning him the prestigious Purple Cap.

Shami will also be reunited with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, who is now part of the LSG support staff, a partnership that may be key to reviving his IPL fortunes.

The transfer is a clear indication of SRH’s intent to cut ties with a player whose performance did not justify his price tag, and LSG’s desperate need for an experienced, proven Indian quick to anchor their pace attack. Shami last played for the Indian national team in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.