Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over a potential trade between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) involving Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan. While the deal could benefit Lucknow, Pathan believes Punjab may be taking a significant risk by considering the departure of a consistently available player in exchange for a pacer whose fitness has been a concern. The proposed swap could emerge following a reported blockbuster trade between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings involving Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh.

According to a Sportstar report published on November 3, Punjab are closing in on a deal to bring Hardik back, with Arshdeep and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod potentially moving to Mumbai. Arshdeep’s possible departure could prompt Punjab to explore another deal, with the franchise reportedly approaching Lucknow for Mohsin Khan, while all-rounder Stoinis could head in the opposite direction. However, Pathan questioned the logic behind Punjab giving up a regular performer for a player who has struggled to maintain fitness and availability.

“It’s a possible trade, but Arshdeep’s ability is hard to replace. And forget about ability; Mohsin playing 14 games? I don’t want to put Mohsin Khan down because there is no question about his ability. It’s fitness that is an issue, unfortunately. That’s why you don’t see him playing domestic cricket regularly. So you are getting a player who doesn’t play regularly (Mohsin) instead of a player who plays regularly and does everything for you (Arshdeep),” Irfan Pathan said on ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO READ: Shubman Gill Gets Nostalgic About His Early New Zealand Days Ahead of Second ODI

Mohsin featured in seven matches during IPL 2026, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 20.73 and an economy rate of 8.14. His standout performance came against Kolkata Knight Riders, when he registered figures of 5/23 to record the season’s first five-wicket haul. However, limited appearances have been a recurring feature of his IPL career. The left-arm pacer has taken 38 wickets in 31 matches across five seasons, with only nine appearances coming during his breakthrough 2022 campaign.

Arshdeep, meanwhile, has established himself as India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals and played an important role in Punjab’s run to the IPL 2025 final. Pathan believes Lucknow could emerge as the biggest winners if the proposed deal goes through. The franchise already has several pace-bowling options, including Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, making Stoinis’ potential return an attractive proposition.

Stoinis was among Lucknow’s three original draft picks ahead of their IPL debut in 2022, alongside KL Rahul and Ravi Bishnoi. He represented the franchise until 2024 before Punjab secured his services for Rs 11 crore at the 2025 mega auction.

“It’s a good trade for Lucknow because they already have so many fast bowlers. Some of them who deserve to play in the combination actually don’t play because they have so many good fast bowlers. Now, Mayank Yadav bowling so well at the top level makes their bowling even better. Then you have Prince Yadav also,” Irfan Pathan said.

ALSO READ: Michael Hussey Takes Up Expanded Role As Australia Coach Ahead Of Upcoming Challenges

He further suggested that Lucknow’s management would welcome Stoinis’ return. “That’s why they will be willing to do this trade to get Stoinis. Tom Moody will be very happy to get Stoinis. So the winner in this trade will be LSG. Stoinis will be happy to return because he seemed to be happy playing for Lucknow,” he added.

During his three seasons with LSG, Stoinis scored 952 runs in 39 innings at an average of 28.84 and a strike rate of 148.51, including one century and five half-centuries. His strongest campaign came in 2023, when he accumulated 408 runs at a strike rate of 150.