Have great respect for Hardik: Akash Ambani bids farewell to departing all-rounder

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani paid tribute to Hardik Pandya after the India all-rounder joined Punjab Kings in a Rs 18 crore trade. His departure ends a second stint with the five-time champions.Hardik Pandya moved to Punjab Kings in a blockbuster deal (PTI Photos)New Delhi,Nov 11, 2026 15:24 ISTMumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani paid a heartfelt tribute to Hardik Pandya after the India all-rounder completed a move to Punjab Kings in a major player trade ahead of the IPL 2027 season, bringing an end to his second stint with the five-time champions."I have great respect for him, both as a cricketer and as a person, and wish him nothing but the very best for everything that lies ahead," Akash said in a statement, reflecting on Hardik's association with the franchise."Hardik has shared some very special moments with Mumbai Indians. We have seen him grow as a cricketer, make his mark on the world stage and then return to lead the team. His contribution, his energy and the competitive spirit he brings to the field have been valuable to Mumbai Indians."The trade, officially confirmed by the IPL on Wednesday, will see Hardik join Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh moves in the opposite direction to Mumbai Indians at the same fee. Hardik's new fee represents an increase from his previous retention amount of Rs 16.35 crore. The deal was completed ahead of the November 17 retention deadline. The move marks the second time Hardik has been traded out of Mumbai Indians. He first joined the franchise in 2015 and spent seven seasons with them, becoming an integral part of their title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.His performances with both bat and ball established him as one of the most valuable all-rounders in the IPL. However, ahead of the 2022 season, Hardik moved to the newly formed Gujarat Titans in a major trade deal. He was appointed captain and made an immediate impact, leading the franchise to the title in its debut season. Gujarat also reached the final in 2023, losing to Chennai Super Kings.CHALLENGING SECOND STINT Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season in another high-profile move, taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The leadership change triggered a backlash from a section of MI supporters, with Hardik being booed at several venues, including the Wankhede Stadium.His second stint, spanning three seasons, proved challenging. Mumbai finished at the bottom of the points table in 2024, although they bounced back to reach the playoffs in 2025. The franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2026.Across 162 IPL appearances, Hardik has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and picked up 82 wickets. He leaves Mumbai having won four titles with the franchise, in addition to the championship he secured as Gujarat Titans captain in 2022.For Punjab Kings, the arrival of Hardik brings an experienced Indian all-rounder and a proven leader into their set-up. The franchise, which reached the IPL final in 2025 under Shreyas Iyer, will hope his experience strengthens their campaign.Meanwhile, Arshdeep's arrival gives Mumbai a left-arm pace option to complement Jasprit Bumrah. The India international spent eight seasons with Punjab Kings, becoming their leading wicket-taker with 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches.- Ends