Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants are in discussions over a multi-player trade ahead of the IPL 2027 retention deadline, with India fast bowler Mohammed Shami and England all-rounder Sam Curran at the centre of the proposed deal, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
The proposed arrangement would see Shami move to Rajasthan Royals, while Curran heads to Lucknow Super Giants. Lucknow left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth is also understood to be part of the negotiations, and could move to Rajasthan as part of the deal. The players involved have reportedly been approached, but the paperwork remains incomplete, and nothing has been finalised.
The valuations explain why the deal is complicated. Shami currently carries a contract value of 10 crore rupees, while Curran’s existing IPL salary is 2.40 crore rupees. The significant difference means additional player movement and financial adjustments are required to make the numbers work. Siddharth, who joined Lucknow for 75 lakh rupees, has played nine IPL matches, all for Lucknow, and has claimed nine wickets.
Rajasthan are reportedly looking to strengthen their Indian pace-bowling department by bringing in Shami. The experienced fast bowler remains one of India’s most accomplished seamers, offers movement with the new ball, and could lead the attack alongside overseas fast bowler Jofra Archer. His experience could also guide younger players after the Royals struggled for consistency in their bowling combinations during IPL 2026.
For Lucknow, the proposed trade could address two requirements: improving their all-round options and creating financial flexibility. Curran offers value with bat and ball, can contribute in the middle order, provides a left-handed batting option and can bowl during different phases of a T20 innings. Replacing Shami’s 10-crore contract with Curran’s 2.40-crore deal could free up significant purse space ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, although Curran is reportedly seeking a revised salary, which could be one of the reasons behind the delay.
Curran joined Rajasthan ahead of IPL 2026 in the trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, but he did not feature in a single match after citing injury, and his county appearances in England reportedly drew criticism from head coach Kumar Sangakkara. A move to Lucknow could offer Curran a chance to revive his IPL career.
The two franchises have also explored a possible trade involving Rajasthan opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, although no concrete agreement has emerged from those discussions. Rajasthan reportedly sought another Indian fast bowler as part of that proposal, but Lucknow were unwilling to accept the terms.
The IPL 2027 retention deadline is November 17, extended by two days from November 15, with the mini-auction set for December 16 in Goa. Shami, who retired from Test cricket earlier this month, was excellent for Lucknow last season, and his future will be one of the biggest talking points of the final days of the window.
