Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completed a major four-player trade ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline, with Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards joining Chennai in exchange for Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis.
The IPL officially confirmed the deal on Thursday, marking a significant squad reshuffle for both former champions ahead of the November 17 retention announcement and December 16 mini auction.
The trade will see England’s explosive all-rounder Livingstone move to CSK after a disappointing campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Livingstone was purchased by SRH for Rs. 13 crore during the IPL 2026 auction but struggled to make the expected impact during the season.
The England international will now represent the five-time IPL champions at a reduced fee of Rs. 6 crore, considerably lower than his previous contract.
CSK have also secured Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards, who will join the Chennai-based franchise at his existing auction price of Rs. 3 crore.
The arrival of Livingstone and Edwards gives Chennai two additional all-round options as the franchise prepares to rebuild its squad for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad have strengthened their pace-bowling department by bringing in Indian left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis.
Khaleel, who previously represented Hyderabad, will return to his former franchise at his existing salary of Rs. 4.8 crore.
His return provides SRH with an experienced Indian pace option ahead of the new campaign.
Ellis, meanwhile, will make the switch to Hyderabad for Rs. 2 crore, the same amount he commanded at the auction.
The Australian pacer missed the previous IPL season because of a foot injury and will be looking to make an impact at his new franchise.
The exchange represents a notable change in squad composition for both teams, with Chennai adding two overseas all-rounders while Hyderabad acquire two specialist fast bowlers.
The financial terms also make Livingstone’s move particularly interesting, as his revised Rs. 6 crore fee is Rs. 7 crore below the amount SRH paid for him at the previous auction.
With the retention announcement scheduled for November 17, both franchises have moved early to finalise important squad changes.
Attention will now turn to the IPL mini auction on December 16, when CSK and SRH will have another opportunity to strengthen their squads ahead of the next edition of the tournament.
