Mumbai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completed a major four-player trade ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with England all-rounder Liam Livingstone among the headline names changing franchises.
Under the confirmed trade arrangement, Livingstone and Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards will join Chennai Super Kings, while fast bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis will move to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially confirmed the player exchange on Thursday, November 5, marking a significant reshuffle for both franchises as they prepare for the upcoming IPL campaign.
Livingstone’s move to CSK is particularly noteworthy, with the England international joining the five-time champions for a revised fee of INR 6 crore. Sunrisers Hyderabad had originally secured his services for INR 13 crore at the IPL 2025 mini-auction.
The 31-year-old had a limited opportunity to make an impact at SRH, featuring in just two matches during the 2026 season. His arrival at Chennai is expected to strengthen the team’s batting options and provide additional flexibility with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Livingstone previously enjoyed a title-winning IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 before moving to Hyderabad.
Jack Edwards also joins Chennai Super Kings
Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards is the second player heading to CSK as part of the exchange.
Edwards will move at his existing contract value of INR 3 crore. Despite being part of the SRH squad during IPL 2026, he did not get an opportunity to feature in a match.
His addition gives Chennai another all-round option as the franchise looks to strengthen its squad depth ahead of the new season.
Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed move to SRH
In exchange, Sunrisers Hyderabad have secured the services of two experienced fast bowlers, Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed.
Australian pacer Ellis had been brought in by CSK for INR 2 crore, with the franchise expecting him to play an important role in its death-bowling department following Matheesha Pathirana’s departure.
However, his IPL 2026 campaign never got underway after he suffered a hamstring injury during the domestic One-Day Cup final shortly before the tournament. The injury ruled him out of the entire season, forcing Chennai to bring in Spencer Johnson as his replacement.
Ellis will now look to make a fresh start at SRH, where his variations and experience in limited-overs cricket could prove valuable.
Khaleel Ahmed is also returning to familiar surroundings. The left-arm fast bowler previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2018 and 2021 before joining CSK.
He featured in five matches for Chennai during IPL 2026 but was subsequently ruled out after sustaining a quadriceps injury.
His return provides Hyderabad with another left-arm pace option as the franchise looks to strengthen its bowling resources.
Both franchises look to strengthen squad balance
The four-player exchange represents a significant move for both teams ahead of the next IPL season.
Chennai Super Kings have added batting firepower and an additional all-round option through Livingstone and Edwards, while SRH have strengthened their fast-bowling department with the acquisitions of Ellis and Khaleel.
With squad combinations and player availability becoming increasingly important in the IPL, both franchises will hope the trade works in their favour when the next season gets underway.
