EXCLUSIVE | ‘Mumbai Indians were interested in Arshdeep Singh’: Ness Wadia reveals how the Hardik Pandya deal materialized

Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia, a lifelong Arsenal fan, believes Hardik Pandya could bring the midas touch that the Mohali-based franchise has been missing for the past few seasons. Despite showing plenty of promise in the last two seasons, the Punjab Kings fell short of winning their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Wadia feels the Indian all-rounder could be the missing piece in the Shreyas Iyer-led side’s puzzle and help the franchise dominate the league, much like his favorite club Arsenal is doing in the Premier League.In a free chat with TimesofIndia.com, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia opens up about the sensational Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade and admits that it was a tough decision to let go of the Indian pacer. Wadia explains the cricketing rationale behind the acquisition of Pandya, reveals how the negotiations unfolded and outlines the franchise’s long-term ambitions to build a championship-winning team.ExcerptsHow long did it take for the Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade to materialize?Ness Wadia: Yes, it took a while. I think Mumbai Indians were interested in Arshdeep and from a cricketing point of view we also reflected a lot on that. We believe Hardik is someone who brings a lot to the team. Above all, it is not a short-term arrangement for one year. We would like to build a very strong franchise that will win championships and we feel this move will take us in that direction. We look at Hardik as a long-term investment, not just a short-term move.Was it always a straight swap, or were other players also discussed?Ness Wadia: It was always a direct exchange.

Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh joins Mumbai Indians in an expected IPL player trade.

Arshdeep is someone the Punjab Kings have invested in from a young age. He is also a local boy from Mohali and has become one of the faces of the franchise. How hard was it to let him go?Ness Wadia: There are two ways to look at it. The way I see it, it makes me happy that he did it so well. It makes me happy that it is so in demand. At the end of the day, I am extremely pleased that he is representing our country at the highest level and is one of its leaders. So there is only luck. That’s what I have to say.What kind of conversation did you have with Hardik Pandya?Ness Wadia: We had a very good chat with Hardik. I think he will bring a lot of experience and add tremendous value to Shreyas and Ricky. He worked with Ricky during his early years at Mumbai Indians and has a lot of respect for him. I think it will be a win-win situation for everyone.In the last few seasons, the Punjab Kings have been doing well, much like the Gunners, before winning the Premier League. I think we’re almost there. Hardik brings us that Midas touch.

Hardik Pandya moves to Punjab Kings from Mumbai Indians in an expected IPL player trade.

Punjab Kings were already a strong and consistent team, but Hardik’s arrival seems to have added something that could help the team go to the top. Has Hardik been the missing piece in the past few seasons?Ness Wadia: No puzzle is ever perfectly completed. All players must buckle down and perform well. Timing is very important and players go through ups and downs. But I think as a collective group led by Shreyas and Ricky, we have proven that we can stand up and deliver.We made the final in 2025 and did really well in 2026 before we got to the end. I think it was due to lack of experience. Sometimes overconfidence creeps in too. There were also players who did not perform at the expected level. But we certainly have the potential to win not just one, but several championships. That is the goal for Hardik, Shreyas, Ricky and all of us.You have been part of the IPL as an owner since its inception and have seen the league grow over the years. How much has the business evolved? With the introduction of the trade window in the future, do you see the possibility of a mid-season transfer window?Ness Wadia: The league must constantly evolve. I think it is good that the trade window has been introduced and that it remains open even after the retention period. It’s interesting because there have been a lot of trades this year.It shows that franchises are willing to make the tough calls, go into the auction, do the best they can, and then evaluate how things play out over the next year or two. They can then make adjustments and improve their squads. But as far as we are concerned, we look at Hardik as a long-term investment, not just a short-term move.

Ness Wadia (Credit: Ness Wadia Instagram)

Are there any more deals in store for the Punjab Kings or will we next see the franchise in action at the Goa auction?Ness Wadia: You never know. Stranger things have happened! We still have a few days left, so a lot can happen in that time. These things can move very quickly.Of course, if a deal is on the cards, the franchises can always come to an agreement and complete it even after the retention period. That’s the beauty of having a trade window open even after being detained.There have been discussions and reports about expanding the IPL window. What is your opinion on this? Do you see the benefit in a longer window or in moving the tournament to another season?Ness Wadia: As for the IPL window, it would be good to have a different window because with the changing weather sometimes it starts raining or it gets very hot which makes the conditions difficult for the players. Ideally, one could look at the shift of the tournament.However, we will have to factor in the domestic and international cricket calendars and see what is possible. But it’s definitely worth exploring.How difficult is it for a franchise to play its home games at two different venues?Ness Wadia: It’s hard. It’s hard for the players too. But we have to look at the bigger picture. At the end of the day, it’s also about the revenue we generate and the support we get from both PC and HPC. It would be great if this support continued.We’ll see how things progress. Still, these are world-class players and everyone will adjust and adapt. You can look at it as one extra seat.But doesn’t splitting the home games between the two venues take away home advantage? For franchises like MI and CSK, one of the secrets to their success has been playing seven home matches at the same venue. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have to split their matches between Mohali and Dharamsala.Ness Wadia: It’s a valid point and I understand that point of view.