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The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction commenced with a bang, witnessing Mohammadreza Shadloui making history as the first player to be acquired for a staggering Rs 2.23 crores. Gujarat Giants secured the services of the Season 11’s Most Valuable Player in the very first bid of the day, held on Saturday, May 31, in Mumbai. This monumental acquisition marks Shadloui's third time surpassing the Rs 2 crore threshold in PKL history, solidifying his position as a highly sought-after player in the league. The auction underscored the immense value placed on proven performers and demonstrated the financial commitment of the franchises towards building competitive teams. The opening day set the stage for an enthralling season, with teams vying for the best talent to bolster their chances of lifting the coveted PKL trophy. This year's auction promises to be even more exciting with strategic team building, and the potential for surprise bids and acquisitions adding layers of intrigue to the process. The financial implications for the sport are significant, indicating a growing investment in Kabaddi and its athletes.
Another standout moment from the PKL 12 Player Auction was the acquisition of Devank Dalal by Bengal Warriorz for Rs 2.205 crores. Dalal, recognized as the Best Raider in PKL 11, played a pivotal role in leading the Patna Pirates to the final in the previous campaign. His impressive performance and raiding prowess made him a prime target for several franchises, ultimately leading to a fierce bidding war that culminated in Bengal Warriorz securing his services. Dalal's acquisition further emphasizes the importance of raiders in the PKL and the willingness of teams to invest heavily in securing top-tier talent in this crucial position. The strategic value of a successful raider cannot be overstated, as they are instrumental in scoring points and turning the tide of matches. His move to Bengal Warriorz has raised expectations for the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Dalal’s versatility and adaptability will be key assets for the Warriorz.
A significant highlight of the PKL 12 Player Auction is the introduction of the new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule. This rule empowers teams to reclaim their released players by matching the final auction bid price, with the option to re-sign them for either one or two seasons. Dabang Delhi K.C. strategically utilized the FBM rule to bring back their star raider Ashu Malik, matching the final bid of Rs 1.90 crores for the next two seasons. The FBM rule adds an element of strategic depth to the auction process, allowing teams to retain valuable players who have previously contributed to their success. This rule also encourages teams to assess the long-term value of their players and make informed decisions about their retention. The flexibility of offering one or two-season contracts provides teams with greater control over their squad composition and allows them to adapt to changing circumstances. The use of FBM also demonstrates teams’ confidence in certain players and their commitment to maintaining team chemistry and stability.
Category A of the PKL 12 Player Auction witnessed several other significant bids. Arjun Deshwal was signed by Tamil Thalaivas for Rs 1.405 crores, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their raiding department. Yogesh Dahiya will be joining Bengaluru Bulls after being acquired for Rs 1.125 crores, adding depth to their defense. These acquisitions reflect the strategic priorities of each team and their efforts to build a well-rounded squad capable of competing for the PKL title. The investment in both raiders and defenders underscores the importance of a balanced approach to team composition. The prices fetched by these players highlight the growing popularity and financial viability of the PKL, attracting top talent from across the country and beyond.
Anupam Goswami, Business Head, Mashal Sports & League Chairman, Pro Kabaddi League, commented on the auction, stating that the bids for Category A players demonstrate how performance plays a key role. He emphasized that Shadloui and Devank were rewarded with exceptional bids of over Rs 2 crores due to their outstanding performance. He also noted the presence of five Crorepatis in this category and highlighted the impact of the new two-season FBM rule, as used by Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi K.C. Goswami believes that the auction sets the stage for the rest of the categories as franchises build their squads for another season of exciting Kabaddi action. His remarks underscore the importance of player performance and strategic planning in the PKL auction process. Goswami’s assessment of the auction is positive and reflects the anticipation for the upcoming season.
The full list of Category A buys from Day 1 of the PKL 12 Player Auction includes Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh to Gujarat Giants for Rs 2.23 Cr, Fazel Atrachali to Dabang Delhi K.C. for Rs 30 Lakhs, Pawan Sehrawat to Tamil Thalaivas for Rs 59.5 Lakhs, Bharat Hooda to Telugu Titans for Rs 81 Lakhs, Vijay Malik to Telugu Titans via one-season FBM for Rs 51.5 Lakhs, Shubham Shinde to Telugu Titans for Rs 80 Lakhs, Ankush to Bengaluru Bulls for Rs 30 Lakhs, Deepak Rajender Singh to Patna Pirates via two-season FBM for Rs 86 Lakhs, Yogesh Dahiya to Bengaluru Bulls for Rs 1.125 Crores, Ashu Malik to Dabang Delhi K.C. via two-season FBM for Rs 1.90 Crores, Arjun Deshwal to Tamil Thalaivas for Rs 1.405 Crores, and Devank Dalal to Bengal Warriorz for Rs 2.205 Crores. These acquisitions represent a significant investment in the league’s talent pool and demonstrate the commitment of the franchises to building competitive teams for the upcoming season. The variety of players acquired, ranging from seasoned veterans to emerging stars, adds depth and excitement to the PKL.
In conclusion, the PKL 12 Player Auction's opening day witnessed historic bids, strategic acquisitions, and the implementation of new rules, setting the stage for an exciting season. The record-breaking bids for Mohammadreza Shadloui and Devank Dalal underscore the value placed on top-performing players. The introduction of the Final Bid Match rule adds a layer of strategic complexity to the auction process, enabling teams to retain valuable players. The acquisitions of Arjun Deshwal and Yogesh Dahiya further demonstrate the commitment of franchises to building well-rounded squads. With Anupam Goswami's positive assessment of the auction, anticipation is high for another season of thrilling Kabaddi action. The PKL continues to grow in popularity and financial viability, attracting top talent and captivating audiences worldwide. The league’s impact on the sport of Kabaddi cannot be understated and the auction’s results signal a strong future for the PKL.