MUMBAI: The IPL trading window has sprung to life with a potential blockbuster deal involving Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh. TOI has learnt that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are engaged in advanced discussions over a trade that could see India’s premier left-arm seamer move to Mumbai in exchange for the star all-rounder ahead of the IPL auction next month.“Talks involving Hardik are at an advanced stage between Punjab Kings and MI. If PBKS part with Arshdeep to acquire Hardik, they could look to bring in a left-arm pacer from another franchise or target one at the auction. However, nothing has been finalised yet,” a source tracking developments told TOI.Hardik’s future has emerged as the biggest talking point of the trading season. TOI understands that Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants have also expressed interest in acquiring him.

“The challenge for any franchise is that Mumbai Indians are unlikely to let Hardik go without receiving proven core players in return,” a source said. “A lot of movement in the trade market could depend on where Hardik ends up. One deal could trigger several others as teams look to fill the gaps created by such a trade.”As part of their efforts to secure Hardik, PBKS could consider releasing players such as Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera ahead of the mini-auction on Dec 16. Hardik would join Punjab solely as a player, with Shreyas Iyer set to continue as skipper.With the BCCI extending the trade window deadline to November 17, all parties still have time to finalise what could be one of the most significant player moves in IPL history.