Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction: Is a record-breaking bid on the cards?
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 auction is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated events in the league's history, with the potential for record-breaking bids as some of the sport’s biggest superstars prepare to go under the hammer. Scheduled for August 15 and 16 in Mumbai, the auction is expected to be a battleground for teams aiming to secure the most coveted players in the league.
With 88 players already retained by the 12 Pro Kabaddi teams, the stage is set for a dramatic reshuffling of squads, as franchises look to rebuild and reinforce their lineups ahead of the 2024 season.
The retention strategy adopted by the teams this year has left fans scratching their heads, as several star players have been released to free up funds for the auction. The defending champions, Puneri Paltan, lead the way with 12 retained players, while other teams have opted for a more conservative approach.
The release of key players like Pardeep Narwal by UP Yoddhas and Fazel Atrachali by Gujarat Giants has sparked speculation about how much teams will be willing to spend to bring these superstars back into their fold.
Pro Kabaddi 2024 can see some record-breaking bids with star players in the auction
As the auction approaches, the spotlight will be on the players who have proven themselves time and again on the Pro Kabaddi stage. Pardeep Narwal, known as the "Dubki King" for his unique raiding style, is one such player who is likely to ignite a bidding war.
With 1,690 total raid points, Narwal is the most successful raider in Pro Kabaddi history, and his release by UP Yoddhas has opened the door for other teams to vie for his services. Despite a somewhat underwhelming performance last season, with 122 raid points, Narwal’s track record and ability to turn matches around make him a prime target for teams looking to bolster their raiding department.
On the defensive side, Fazel Atrachali stands out as the most successful defender in PKL history, with 486 tackle points to his name. The Iranian defender, known as the "Sultan" for his commanding presence on the mat, was a key player for Gujarat Giants last season, where he also served as team captain.
Atrachali's leadership skills, combined with his defensive prowess, make him a highly sought-after player in the upcoming auction. His release by Gujarat Giants has surprised many, and there is little doubt that teams will be eager to secure his signature, potentially leading to a record-breaking bid.
Another player likely to draw significant attention is Pawan Sehrawat, one of the most dependable raiders in the league and the current captain of the Indian kabaddi team. With a total of 1,189 raid points, Sehrawat has consistently delivered for his teams, most recently racking up 202 raid points last season. Despite his stellar performance, he was released by the Telugu Titans, a decision that has raised eyebrows and could result in fierce bidding from teams looking to add a proven match-winner to their roster.
Md. Reza Shadloui, another Iranian star, is also expected to be a hot commodity in the auction. Shadloui was the most successful defender in Pro Kabaddi Season 10, amassing 99 tackle points.
His release by Puneri Paltan, despite his impressive performance, has been speculated to be a financial move, leaving other teams with an opportunity to snap up the talented defender. Given his consistent track record, Shadloui is poised to be one of the most expensive buys in the auction.
Finally, Maninder Singh, a raider with a reputation for scoring multi-point raids, is another player to watch. Released by Bengal Warriorz for the second consecutive season, Maninder was the driving force behind their successful campaign in Season 8 and continues to be a formidable presence on the mat. His release suggests that Bengal might attempt to buy him back, but other teams could also join the fray, pushing his price tag higher.
With so many top-tier players available, the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction promises to be an intense affair, potentially setting new records for player bids. Teams will have to balance their desire to acquire star talents with the need to manage their budgets, making for a thrilling auction that could reshape the landscape of the league.