'We are looking at Hardik Pandya as a long-term investment': Ness Wadia

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia, a lifelong Arsenal fan, believes Hardik Pandya could bring the midas touch that the Mohali-based franchise has been missing over the last couple of seasons. Despite showing plenty of promise over the past two seasons, Punjab Kings have fallen short of winning their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Wadia feels the India all-rounder could be the missing piece in the Shreyas Iyer-led side's puzzle and help the franchise dominate the league, much like his favourite club Arsenal are doing in the Premier League.In a freewheeling chat with TimesofIndia.com, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia opens up about the blockbuster Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade, admitting that letting go of the India pacer was a difficult decision. Wadia explains the cricketing rationale behind acquiring Pandya, reveals how the negotiations unfolded and outlines the franchise's long-term ambitions of building a championship-winning team.Excerpts

How long did it take for the Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade to materialise?

Ness Wadia: Yes, it took a little while. I think Mumbai Indians were keen on Arshdeep, and from a cricketing perspective, we also reflected on it a lot. We believe Hardik is someone who brings a great deal to the team. Most importantly, this is not about a short-term, one-year arrangement. We are keen to build a very strong franchise that wins championships, and we feel this move will take us in that direction. We are looking at Hardik as a long-term investment, not just a short-term move.

Was it always going to be a straight swap, or were other players also discussed?

Ness Wadia: It was always going to be a direct swap.

Arshdeep is someone Punjab Kings have invested in from a young age. He is also a local boy from Mohali and has become one of the faces of the franchise. How difficult was it to let him go?Ness Wadia: There are two ways to look at it. The way I see it, it makes me happy that he has done so well. It makes me happy that he is so much in demand. At the end of the day, it makes me exceedingly happy that he represents our country at the highest level and is one of its leaders.

So, there is only happiness. That is what I have to say.

What kind of conversation did you have with Hardik Pandya?

Ness Wadia: We had a very good conversation with Hardik. I think he will bring a lot of experience and add tremendous value to Shreyas and Ricky. He worked with Ricky during his initial years at Mumbai Indians and has a lot of respect for him. I think this will be a win-win situation for everyone.In the past couple of seasons, Punjab Kings have been doing well, much like the Gunners, before they went on to win the Premier League.

I think we are almost there. Hardik brings that Midas touch to us.

Punjab Kings were already a strong and consistent team, but Hardik's arrival seems to add something that could help the side go all the way. Was Hardik the missing piece over the last couple of seasons?

Ness Wadia: No puzzle is ever perfectly complete. All the players have to come together and perform well. Timing is very important, and players go through ups and downs. But I think, as a collective group under the leadership of Shreyas and Ricky, we have proved that we can stand up and deliver.We reached the final in 2025, and were doing really well in 2026, before slipping up towards the end.

I think that was down to a lack of experience. Sometimes, overconfidence also creeps in. There were also players who did not perform at their expected levels. But we certainly have the potential to win not just one, but several championships. That is the objective for Hardik, Shreyas, Ricky and all of us.

You have been part of the IPL as an owner since its inception and have seen the league grow over the years. How much has the business evolved? With the introduction of the trading window, do you see the possibility of a mid-season transfer window in the future?

Ness Wadia: The league has to keep evolving. I think it is good that the trading window was introduced and that it remains open even after the retention deadline.

It is interesting because a lot of trades have happened this year.It shows that franchises are willing to make difficult calls, go into an auction, do the best they can and then assess how things work out over the next one or two years. They can subsequently make adjustments and tweak their squads. But as far as we are concerned, we are looking at Hardik as a long-term investment, not just a short-term move.

Are there any more trades in store for Punjab Kings, or will we next see the franchise in action at the auction in Goa?Ness Wadia: You never know. Stranger things have happened! We still have few days left, so a lot can happen in that time.

These things can move very quickly.Of course, if a trade is on the cards, franchises can always agree and complete it even after the retention deadline. That is the beauty of having the trading window open after retentions as well.

There have been discussions and reports about extending the IPL window. What is your take on that? Do you see merit in having a longer window or shifting the tournament to a different period?

Ness Wadia: As far as the IPL window is concerned, it would be good to have a different window because, with changing weather patterns, it sometimes starts raining or gets very hot, making conditions difficult for players.

Ideally, one could look at shifting the tournament.However, we will have to consider the domestic and international cricket calendars and see what is possible. But it is certainly something worth exploring.

How difficult is it for a franchise to play its home matches across two different venues?

Ness Wadia: It is difficult. It is difficult for the players as well. But we have to look at the bigger picture. At the end of the day, it is also about the revenue we generate and the support we receive from both the PC and HPC.

It would be fantastic if that support continues.Let's see how things develop going forward. Having said that, these are world-class players, and everyone adjusts and adapts. You can look at it as having one additional venue.

But doesn't splitting home matches between two venues take away the home advantage? For franchises like MI and CSK , one of the secrets of their success has been playing seven home games at the same venue. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have to divide their matches between Mohali and Dharamsala.

Ness Wadia: It is a valid point, and I understand that perspective.