CSK Explore Liam Livingstone Trade, but SRH Yet to Decide on ₹13 Crore All-Rounder

England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has emerged as one of the most talked-about names in the IPL trade window, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) among the franchises exploring a move for him. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who signed the big-hitter for ₹13 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, are yet to decide whether they want to let him go.

The discussions are taking place ahead of the November 17 deadline for teams to confirm their retentions, releases and trades for IPL 2027. According to reports, the talks involve more than just two franchises, and nothing has been finalised so far. A source close to the discussions indicated that the deal "may or may not go through".

A Costly Signing Who Barely Played

Livingstone's situation at SRH has been unusual. The franchise paid ₹13 crore to bring him in at the IPL 2026 auction, a significant investment in a player known for his explosive hitting and handy part-time spin.

Yet his first season in Hyderabad did not go to plan. The 33-year-old appeared in only two matches, mainly in an Impact Player role, and scored a total of 15 runs. After that, he lost his place in the side altogether, including the Impact Player slot, and spent the rest of the campaign on the sidelines.

For a player bought at such a high price, the lack of game time raised questions about where he fitted into SRH's plans. That uncertainty has now made him one of the more likely candidates to change teams before the 2027 season.

CSK Lead the Interest

CSK are understood to be one of the franchises keen on Livingstone. The five-time champions are reshaping their squad after a disappointing 2026 campaign in which they finished eighth and missed the playoffs. Adding an experienced overseas all-rounder who can attack in the middle order and contribute with the ball could be part of that rebuild.

Another franchise from northern India is also believed to be in the mix, though the talks with that team are reported to be at an early, exploratory stage. The involvement of multiple teams suggests Livingstone still carries strong value in the market despite his quiet season.

Sources have stressed that the talks are complex and involve several players and franchises, rather than a straightforward one-for-one swap between CSK and SRH.

Could Khaleel Ahmed Be Part of the Deal?

One of the names linked with a possible exchange is CSK left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed. Some reports suggest Chennai are open to including him in a deal with SRH, although the credibility of that proposal remains uncertain.

The main reason for doubt is that SRH have only recently added another experienced left-arm seamer, T Natarajan, to their squad. With a bowler of a similar profile already secured, it is unclear whether Hyderabad would want Khaleel as part of a trade.

Reports also indicate that the franchises are discussing another CSK player besides Khaleel. The identity of that player has not been revealed, and neither CSK nor SRH has confirmed any details. Franchise officials were not available for comment.

SRH Weighing Their Options

For SRH, the decision on Livingstone is not straightforward. They could keep him and hope he finds a more defined role in 2027, trade him for a player who better suits their needs, or release him into the auction pool to recover funds.

Holding on to a player who barely featured carries a cost, as his ₹13 crore salary takes up a large share of the purse. On the other hand, Livingstone's ability to change a game in a handful of overs means SRH may be reluctant to hand him to a rival without getting good value in return.

With just under two weeks left before the deadline, Hyderabad will need to make up their minds soon. Any trade would also need to be approved before the retention lists are submitted.

Livingstone's IPL Journey

Livingstone has been a regular in the IPL for several seasons and has represented multiple franchises. Before joining SRH, he was with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who signed him for ₹8.75 crore at the previous mega auction. RCB later released him, and SRH stepped in with a higher bid of ₹13 crore at the last auction.

Throughout his career, Livingstone has built a reputation as one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in white-ball cricket. He can play a finisher's role, take on spin in the middle overs and bowl both off-spin and leg-spin, giving captains a flexible option.

His record as an international cricketer for England also adds to his appeal. Livingstone has been part of England's white-ball set-up for several years, and his experience across major T20 leagues around the world means he is well used to adapting to different conditions and roles quickly.

That versatility is a key reason why franchises remain interested despite his limited impact in 2026. Teams looking to strengthen their overseas options before the auction may see him as a player who can bounce back with a clearer role.

Busy Trade Window Ahead of Retentions

Livingstone is not the only big name being discussed. A trade involving India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also reported to be at an advanced stage, with several franchises involved. Mumbai Indians are yet to finalise any arrangement, and that situation could move quickly as the deadline approaches.

Other franchises are also exploring possible swaps, and the coming days are expected to bring a flurry of activity. Teams are trying to balance their squads, manage their purses and plug gaps before entering the final auction of the current cycle.

CSK's Wider Rebuild

The interest in Livingstone fits into a broader period of change at CSK. The franchise has a new head coach in Zaheer Khan, along with Albie Morkel as assistant coach. Batting coach Michael Hussey has moved on after eight seasons with the team.

Chennai are also reportedly considering releasing Prashant Veer, their ₹14.2 crore signing from the 2026 auction, in order to create more room in their purse. With only ₹2.4 crore remaining before the annual ₹5 crore increase, CSK need to free up funds or make smart trades to strengthen their squad.

Bringing in Livingstone through a trade could allow CSK to add a proven overseas all-rounder without having to compete for him at the auction. However, any deal would depend on what SRH are willing to accept in return.

There is also a question of squad balance. CSK will want to make sure that any player they give up does not leave a new gap elsewhere in their line-up. Losing a left-arm seamer like Khaleel, for example, would mean finding another pace option at the auction, so the franchise will weigh every part of a possible deal carefully.

What Happens Next

All 10 IPL franchises must finalise their retained and released players by November 17. The IPL 2027 auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16.

Until then, Livingstone's future remains uncertain. If SRH decide to keep him, he will have another chance to prove his value in Hyderabad. If a trade goes through, he could be wearing a new shirt for the third time in three seasons. And if he is released, the England all-rounder is likely to attract interest at the auction, although probably at a lower price than the ₹13 crore SRH paid for him.

For now, the talks continue, and the next two weeks could determine where one of the most destructive batters in T20 cricket plays in IPL 2027.