Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 Auction
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 Player Auction was a spectacular event, packed with excitement and high-stakes bidding.
The auction, held over two days in Mumbai, saw all 12 franchises fiercely compete to secure the best talent for their squads. The total expenditure exceeded INR 30 crore, making it one of the most expensive auctions in the history of the league.
Record-Breaking Bids and Top Buys
The auction’s highlight was Tamil Thalaivas’ acquisition of Sachin Tanwar, who became the most expensive player in PKL history at a staggering INR 2.15 crore.
Tanwar’s signing not only broke records but also set the tone for the intense bidding wars that followed. Haryana Steelers also made headlines by securing Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh for INR 2.07 crore, making him the most expensive foreign player ever in the league.
Sunil Kumar, another big name in the auction, was snapped up by U Mumba for INR 1.015 crore, marking him as the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history. These record-breaking bids underscored the franchises’ commitment to building formidable teams for the upcoming season.
Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 Auction: Day 1 Highlights
Day 1 of the auction was dominated by big-name players from Categories A and B. Sachin Tanwar’s historic bid was the centerpiece, but several other players also commanded high prices.
The likes of Fazel Atrachali, who joined Bengal Warriorz, and Pawan Sehrawat, who was retained by Bengaluru Bulls, were among the top buys. The first day set a clear precedent that teams were willing to invest heavily in securing the top talent for their rosters.
Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 Auction: Day 2 Highlights
PKL Season 11 Auction on Day 2 shifted focus to players in Categories C and D, where emerging talents attracted significant attention. V Ajith Kumar, a promising Indian raider, emerged as the most expensive buy of the day after defending champions Puneri Paltan secured him for INR 66 lakh.
Jai Bhagwan followed closely, joining Bengaluru Bulls for INR 63 lakh. Both players are expected to make a substantial impact in the upcoming season.
Puneri Paltan also made strategic acquisitions on Day 2, including Iranian all-rounder Amir Hassan Noroozi for INR 13.40 lakh. In a smart move, they used their Final Bid Match (FBM) card to retain Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh for INR 13.60 lakh, ensuring they had a balanced mix of experience and fresh talent.
PKL 11 Auction: Strategic Moves and Bargain Buys
Several teams employed strategic moves to bolster their squads without overspending. Patna Pirates, known for their shrewd auction tactics, acquired Indian all-rounder Gurdeep for INR 59 lakh and defender Deepak Rajender Singh for INR 50 lakh.
They also made a smart buy by securing South Korean raider Jang Kun Lee for INR 17.50 lakh, marking his return to the league after a four-year hiatus.
Gujarat Giants made some of the most strategic acquisitions of the auction. They bolstered their defense with Neeraj Kumar for INR 35 lakh and ensured they retained their star all-rounder Nabibakhsh through the FBM card. Their approach demonstrated a clear focus on building a balanced team that could excel on both ends of the mat.
International Players in Pro Kabaddi League Season 11
This year’s auction also saw a significant interest in international players. The Iranian contingent was particularly in demand, with several players commanding high prices.
Apart from Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, Amir Hossein Mohammadmaleki and Moein Safaghi were snapped up by Jaipur Pink Panthers and Tamil Thalaivas, respectively. These acquisitions highlight the growing influence of international talent in the PKL.
PKL 14 Auction: Unsold Players and Surprises
Despite the heavy bidding, several well-known players went unsold on Day 2, including Rahul Chaudhari, Deepak Niwas Hooda, Monu Goyat, and Nitin Tomar. This outcome surprised many fans, as these players have been mainstays in the league for years. Their absence from the squads this season will undoubtedly add a new dynamic to the competition.
With the auction concluded, all eyes are now on the upcoming PKL Season 11. The teams have made their choices, and the stage is set for an exciting season of kabaddi.
The strategic purchases, record-breaking bids, and inclusion of international talent promise a thrilling competition ahead. Fans can expect intense matches, rising stars, and potentially new champions as the league gears up for another action-packed season.
The PKL Season 11 Auction has undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting seasons in the league’s history. The franchises have invested heavily, and now, it’s time for the players to justify their price tags on the mat.
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