Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, there are rumors of multiple possible trade deals. Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL), some of the trade deals have been proved absolutely on point. Naturally, this kind of deal beyond the auction table makes cricket fans very excited. 

Before the upcoming mini auction, let's find out the top 5 trade deals that had shaken the cricket world. Some of the best deals were involved with the Mumbai Indians or Royal Challengers Bengaluru multiple times.

Trent Built: Delhi Capitals to Mumbai Indians:

Before the 2020 IPL season, Delhi Capitals traded New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal. Mumbai brought in Boult as the partner for Jasprit Bumrah.  The combination that proved decisive. Both of the pacers showed their mettle both with the new ball and during the death overs. Boult was an instrumental part of Mumbai’s title-winning 2020 campaign. Against Delhi Capitals, in the final, Boult was on song. 

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Cameron Green: Mumbai Indians to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 

Another surprising move that probably no one saw coming. Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was traded from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a high-profile all-cash deal worth INR 17.5 crore. This was a sensible move for the MI franchise, as they secured Hardik Pandya already in a different deal with Gujarat Titans. The deal became one of the most expensive trades in IPL history.

Hardik Pandya: From Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians

Then, ahead of IPL 2024, this move sparked a series of controversies all around. Hardik, who had led GT to an IPL title in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023, was suddenly traded back to his former franchise. It was said that to reacquire the service of Hardik Pandya, MI might have spent around INR 15 crore. Hardik’s homecoming marked one of the biggest trades in IPL history. After joining the team, he instantly became the captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Though MI is yet to get success under Pandya's leadership.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals

In November 2019, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) traded their captain and senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2020 season. The exact amount behind the deal was not disclosed. Punjab has a history of changing captains on multiple occasions. Delhi Capitals too was not lucky enough in the recent past. Though, Ashwin's inclusion proved positive for DC. 

Quinton de Kock: From RCB to MI

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) traded South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock to Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2019 season. De Kock’s arrival strengthened Mumbai’s top order and wicketkeeping options, and he quickly became a key player for the franchise. His consistent performances were instrumental in MI’s successful campaigns, including their title wins in 2019 and 2020 seasons.