CSK, SRH complete four-player deal ahead of IPL 2027; Liam Livingstone, Khaleel Ahmed switch teams

Liam Livingstone and Khaleel Ahmed (Image Agency) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have agreed to swap four players ahead of the IPL 2027 season, with both franchises making significant changes to their squads.The deal sees England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australian bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards move to CSK, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis will join SRH.Livingstone was transferred to CSK for INR 6 million, a significant reduction in salary from the INR 13 million for which SRH initially acquired him.Edwards, meanwhile, will join the Chennai-based franchise for an existing fee of INR 3 crore. SRH signed the Australian all-rounder ahead of his international debut, but he did not get an opportunity to feature in IPL 2026 after a leg injury ruled him out for the entire season.In return, SRH will secure Khaleel’s services worth his existing contract of INR 4.8 crore. The left-arm pacer is familiar with the Hyderabad franchise and represented them between 2018 and 2021.Khaleel moved to CSK ahead of IPL 2025 and impressed with 15 wickets in 14 matches. However, his IPL 2026 campaign was cut short after he suffered a right quadriceps injury. He only managed to play five games in the season before being sent off.The fourth player involved in the exchange is Nathan Ellis who will move to SRH for an existing fee of INR 2 million. Known for his variations and ability to deliver in the death overs, the Australian speedster brings considerable T20 experience to Hyderabad’s pace attack.Ellis was also unavailable for the entire duration of IPL 2026 after suffering a serious hamstring injury that forced him to miss the entire tournament.The four-player swap gives CSK two overseas all-rounders in Livingstone and Edwards, while SRH will bolster its bowling resources with the addition of Khaleel and Ellis ahead of the 2027 campaign.