A sensational proposed player swap involving three of the biggest names in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is moving forward but is currently stuck in the regulatory lane. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are pushing ahead with a major trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, alongside Sam Curran, but the deal requires formal sign-off from the BCCI.
As per a report by Cricbuzz, the framework for the trade is in place, and the move has officially entered the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage under the stringent IPL Player Regulations. This means the clock has started ticking on the mandatory 48-hour processing window, although an official announcement remains pending.
Player Consent Secured, BCCI Awaits Notification
The latest update confirms that both CSK and RR have obtained the necessary consent from all three players involved in the proposed swap. A franchise official confirmed that “all three have signed on the dotted line” and that the high-profile move will “take some time to culminate.”
However, despite the EOI being lodged and the players consenting, a top board official mentioned that as of Monday evening, neither franchise had formally informed the IPL or BCCI hierarchy, meaning the board is yet to officially acknowledge the matter.
The Complex Regulatory Process
The IPL trade rules mandate a multi-step process for formalizing any player swap:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): The initiating franchise must submit an EOI to the BCCI.
- 48-Hour Response: The BCCI then corresponds with the relevant team, which is given 48 hours to respond to the EOI.
- Player Consent: If the current franchise agrees to talks, the player’s written consent letter is obtained.
- Negotiation & Final Approval: Negotiations on contract value adjustments are allowed within the regulatory framework. Only once this entire chain is completed and approved by the BCCI can the trade be formally rubber-stamped.
An additional layer of complexity in this particular case stems from Sam Curran being an overseas player. IPL rules governing foreign cricketers shifting franchises may necessitate securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) before the swap can be fully cleared.
Financial Stakes and Initial Demands
The financial stakes underscore the magnitude of this potential swap:
- Ravindra Jadeja is an INR 18 crore retention for CSK.
- Sanju Samson is an INR 18 crore retention for RR.
- Sam Curran was bought for INR 2.4 crore at the last mega auction.
The report also reveals that the Royals initially sought either Dewald Brevis or Matheesha Pathirana from CSK, but when these requests were denied, Sam Curran emerged as the immediate name included in the package alongside Jadeja.
The potential departure of Jadeja from Chennai has predictably polarized the IPL ecosystem. CSK legend Suresh Raina has publicly urged the franchise to reconsider, declaring that Jadeja “should be retained again” and calling him “a gun player for CSK” who “has to be there” for the franchise going forward. For now, the fruition of this sensational swap hinges entirely on the expediency of the BCCI’s regulatory clearance process.