IPL 2024 Trade Window: CSK Fans Accuse MI Of Illegal Trade Approach After Matheesha Pathirana Social Media Story

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IPL 2024 Trade Window is still active and rumours are flying around about players swapping franchise in cash-only deals or exchanges ahead of the IPL Player auction on December 19 in Dubai.

Mumbai Indians have been the most busiest side in the trade window as they successfully traded West Indies all-rounder Romaria Shepherd from Lucknow Super Giants to get transfers moving. But they made huge waves on the retention deadline day.

After multiple reports of Hardik Pandya possibly returning to where it all started for him, the news was made official hours after the retention deadline had passed. In their retained list, Gujarat Titans had included their skipper Pandya, but hours later, the trade was announced.

With Pandya moving to Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions were forced to trade Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore, adding Rs 17.50 Crore to their purse for the auction.

While the two trades were officially sealed, some were critical of MI's approach to Hardik Pandya, citing similarity with Ravindra Jadeja's attempt to move away from Rajasthan Royals in 2012.

The Saurashtra all-rounder had received a ban for talking to a franchise directly, but Pandya's move although similar is being downplayed as one that warrants a ban or punishment.

Just when Pandya's news was settling, the Gujarat Titans CEO had thrown another bombshell that Mohammed Shami was also approached for a trade without naming the franchise invovled. However, fans felt it was Mumbai Indians, who were the ones behind the approach.

Now, MI are once again facing criticism from fans especially from the ones of their fiercest rivals Chennai Super Kings for reportedly approaching Sri Lankan youngster Matheesha Pathirana.

This all triggered after Pathirana had posted a story on his social media page with the text "No Money Can Buy Loyalty". CSK fans feel MI have used their Sri Lankan links to try and turn the head of the young pacer, who has had a great start to his IPL career under MS Dhoni.

Although there is no hint of Mumbai Indians in the post or the story on Instagram, CSK fans have slammed their rivals for trying to poach the Sri Lankan pacer in the trade window. Here are some of the reactions:

"Looks like Mumbai Indians tried to poach in Matheesha Pathirana. He is also Mallinga regen which gets them a connect. Pathirana has replied them in some style. Wish we get more details on this," posted one fan on X.

Meanwhile, another fan even added that Sri Lanka greats Lasith Malinga and Mahela Jaywardene may have approached the youngster's manager for a possible move in the future.

"As per hints, Mahela Jaywardane and Malinga through the banner of Mumbai Indians tried to get in touch with Pathirana's manager to look for a trade. Manager might had discussed it with Pathirana and our Boy must had rejected. If It's MI, then It's absolute Shameful," another fan posted on X.

A few fans recalled what was said earlier by top individuals of the Chennai-based franchise about the furure of Pathirana in the Indian Premier League and international cricket.

The 20-year-old Pathirana, who made his IPL debut for CSK in 2022, had his breakthrough season earlier this year when he took 19 wickets in 12 matches. Overall, in 14 IPL matches, the slingy-action pacer has claimed 21 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 7.96.