The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction for its 10th edition commenced with a bang, witnessing the most significant bid in its history. Iranian sensation, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, created a splash as he was acquired by Puneri Paltan for a whopping Rs 2.35 crore, setting a new record for the highest overseas purchase ever in PKL history. India's Pawan Sehrawat was bought for a gigantic sum of Rs 2.605 by Telugu Titans. Hot on his heels was India's Maninder Singh, who fetched Rs 2.12 crore from Bengal Warriors.
Taking place over two days, the auction began on Monday with 12 teams engaging in intense bidding wars for the players from categories A and B. Auctions for categories C and D are slated for Tuesday. The 10th edition of PKL will feature 137 matches – 132 in the league stage, followed by a playoff sequence that includes two eliminators, two semifinals, and the grand finale.
Category A had a base price of Rs 30 lakh, Category B started at Rs 20 lakh, while categories C and D had base tags of Rs 13 lakh and Rs 9 lakh, respectively.
The Iranian all-rounder, Shadloui, who recently displayed his prowess in the Asian Games final against India, was the prime attraction from the get-go. U Mumba and Gujarat Giants initiated the bidding, with Puneri Paltan and Telugu Titans soon joining the fray. Ultimately, Puneri Paltan secured Shadloui for the record price, with Patna Pirates, his previous team, opting not to use their Final Bid Match (FBM).
In a significant defender bid, Gujarat Giants landed Fazal Atrachali for Rs 1.60 crore, marking the most considerable sum for a defender in the auction's history. India's all-rounder, Rohit Gulia, was acquired by Gujarat Giants for Rs 58.50 lakh. Vijay Malik, another all-rounder, attracted bids from various franchises, ultimately going to UP Yoddhas for Rs 85 lakh.
Maninder Singh, an established raider with stints at Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengal Warriors, stirred heavy bidding in Category A. After a substantial bid from Telugu Titans, Bengal Warriors stepped in using their FBM to retain the star player at Rs 2.12 crore.
Category B witnessed spirited bidding too. Mohammad Nabibakhsh and Arkam Shaikh were snatched by Gujarat Giants for Rs 22 lakh and Rs 20.25 lakh, respectively. Nitin Rawal and Shubham Shinde were added to Bengal Warriors for Rs 30 lakh and Rs 32.25 lakh, respectively. Other prominent additions include Girish Ernak, Mahender Singh, Vishal, and Sombir to various teams.
However, notable players such as Sandeep Narwal, Deepak Niwas Hooda, and Vishal Bhardwaj found no takers this time.
In conclusion, the PKL auction 2023 has set the stage for a thrilling season ahead, with teams meticulously crafting their squads, looking to clinch the coveted title. With top-notch players onboard, fans can anticipate high-octane kabaddi action in the coming months.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
