Pro Kabaddi League Player Auction: A Look at the Most Expensive Players
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Player Auction has become a platform where franchises spare no expense to acquire the best talent in the world of kabaddi. Since its establishment in 2014, the league has transformed numerous kabaddi players into crorepatis, setting new records with each passing season.
Record-Breaking Deals
Season 6 of the PKL witnessed a milestone moment when U Mumba secured the services of Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali for a whopping INR 1 crore. This marked the beginning of a trend where top players started commanding multi-crore deals. In subsequent seasons, the bar continued to rise, with elite players surpassing the INR 2 crore mark.
Two standout names in the PKL auction history are Hi-Flyer Pawan Sehrawat and Iranian powerhouse Mohammadreza Shadloui. Both players have fetched bids of INR 2 crore or more multiple times, solidifying their status as top performers in the league. Raiders Sachin Tanwar and Maninder Singh have also etched their names among the double crorepatis in the auction history.
Top Five Most Expensive Players
Star raider Pawan Sehrawat recently made headlines by breaking his own record to become the most expensive player in PKL history. Telugu Titans acquired him for a staggering INR 2.605 crore ahead of Season 10. Despite his remarkable individual performance, the Titans endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of the standings.
Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui was another high-priced acquisition in the Season 10 auction, as Puneri Paltan secured his services for INR 2.35 crore. Known as the ‘Showstopper’, Shadloui played a pivotal role in leading Puneri Paltan to their first PKL title, earning accolades for his defensive prowess.
In Season 9, Pawan Sehrawat made headlines again by becoming the costliest player at the time when Tamil Thalaivas signed him for INR 2.26 crore. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a knee injury, sidelining him for the remainder of the matches.
Another talented raider, Sachin Tanwar, emerged as the most expensive buy in the Season 11 Player Auction. Tamil Thalaivas secured his services for INR 2.15 crore, hoping for a strong performance. Tanwar delivered decent returns on the mat, but his team struggled to make an impact in the league.
Meanwhile, veteran raider Maninder Singh was retained by Bengal Warriors through the Final Bid Match (FBM) option in the PKL Season 10 auction for INR 2.12 crore. Maninder showcased his scoring prowess by accumulating 197 raid points in 21 games, although the Warriors fell short of a playoff berth.
Conclusion
The Pro Kabaddi League Player Auction continues to witness escalating bids as franchises compete to secure the best players for their squads. With each season, new records are set, showcasing the growing popularity and competitiveness of kabaddi in India and around the world.
Emerging Talents in the Pro Kabaddi League
While established players command hefty price tags in the PKL auctions, there is also a growing trend of emerging talents making a mark in the league. Young players like Naveen Kumar, Siddharth Desai, and Abhishek Singh have caught the eye of franchises with their exceptional skills and agility on the mat. These rising stars are not only proving to be valuable assets to their teams but also challenging the dominance of seasoned players with their fresh approach to the game.
For instance, Naveen Kumar, known for his swift raids and impressive point-scoring ability, has become a vital player for Dabang Delhi K.C. His consistent performances have earned him recognition as one of the most promising raiders in the league. Similarly, Siddharth Desai’s explosive raids and ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly have made him a sought-after player in the PKL.
Abhishek Singh, another young talent, has showcased his versatility as a raider and defender for U Mumba, proving to be a valuable asset for the team. His adaptability and strategic gameplay have earned him praise from fans and experts alike, highlighting the depth of talent in the league beyond the marquee names.
Impact of Foreign Players in the PKL
While Indian players dominate the PKL landscape, the league has also seen a significant influx of foreign talent, especially from countries like Iran and South Korea. Foreign players like Meraj Sheykh, Abozar Mohajermighani, and Jang Kun Lee have made a substantial impact with their unique playing styles and international experience.
Meraj Sheykh, often referred to as the ‘Magician’ for his uncanny ability to outwit defenders, has been a key player for Dabang Delhi K.C. His strategic gameplay and leadership qualities have helped elevate the team’s performance in crucial moments. Abozar Mohajermighani, a formidable defender from Iran, has been a linchpin for Gujarat Fortune Giants, showcasing his strength and agility in thwarting opponents’ raids.
Jang Kun Lee, hailing from South Korea, has brought a new dimension to the raider position with his speed and agility. His acrobatic maneuvers and quick thinking have made him a fan favorite, adding an international flair to the league. The presence of foreign players not only adds diversity to the PKL but also raises the overall competitiveness and skill level of the teams.
Future Prospects and Growth of Kabaddi
As the Pro Kabaddi League continues to evolve and expand, the future looks promising for the sport in India and globally. With the introduction of new teams, the league is providing more opportunities for players to showcase their talent and for fans to engage with the game at a deeper level. The increasing popularity of kabaddi as a spectator sport has also led to greater investment from sponsors and broadcasters, further solidifying its position in the Indian sporting landscape.
Moreover, initiatives like grassroots development programs and talent scouting are nurturing the next generation of kabaddi stars, ensuring a steady influx of skilled players into the league. The synergistic relationship between established players, emerging talents, and foreign imports is shaping the narrative of the PKL, creating a vibrant and competitive environment for kabaddi enthusiasts worldwide.
With each season bringing new records, unforgettable moments, and thrilling matches, the Pro Kabaddi League is poised to cement its status as one of the premier sporting leagues in India, captivating audiences with its blend of traditional athleticism and modern competitiveness.
