IPL 2018: A complete guide to the mid-season transfer window and how it works

Mumbai: For the first time in its history since its decade-long inception, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to welcome a mid-season transfer window. Just like transfers take place in football during a particular window where teams from different leagues buy and sell players, the cash-rich Twenty20 league will also see the same idea being incorporated.

What is it?

With the tournament having already reached the half-way stage where teams have played seven matches out of their standard 14 round robin matches, many players haven’t quite delivered for their teams or have not found game time because of stiff competition. And the mid-season transfer window provides an opportunity for such players to turn around their career and make an impression.

By now, teams have already figured out players who they wish to keep for the remainder of the season. And the transfer window not only benefits players but also teams as they can replace the deadwood in their squad with new talent.

When does it begin?

The IPL mid-season transfer window will be activated from Match 28 (April 29) to Match 42 (May 10). Franchises can make the most of these 12 days to revamp their squads.

How does it work?

Both uncapped and capped (both domestic and foreign) players are eligible for the transfer window. But there is a criterion to be followed here - the players must have played less than two matches for their franchise so far.

Going by these rules, players such as Adam Milne, JP Duminy (Both Mumbai Indians), Sandeep Lamichhane (Delhi Daredevils), Alex Hales (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Colin de Grandhomme, Moeen Ali (Both Royal Challengers Bangalore) and David Willey (Chennai Super Kings) can be swapped.

However, both parties must agree on the move in advance and then go ahead with the transfer.