India's New Crorepati Kabaddi Players Allure Attention

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 Player Auction, which started in Mumbai on Thursday, sets a new record with an unparalleled number of players joining into the INR 1 crore club. Ajinkya Pawar, Guman Singh, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, Bharat, Pawan Sehrawat,Maninder Singh, Sachin Tanwar, and Sunil Kuma were the eight players who have entered into the cash-rice group during mega auctions. 

Sunil Kumar, purchased by U Mumba for INR 1.015 crore, set a new record as the most expensive Indian defender in the league's history. Nonetheless, the highest bid of the day was for Sachin Tanwar, who was acquired by Tamil Thalaivas for a remarkable INR 2.15 crore.

The first day of the auction sees a total of 20 players being sold to the 12 participating franchise teams. Three teams, named Bengal Warriorz, Telugu Titans and Gujarat Giants, employed their Final Bid Match cards to secure the services of Maninder Singh, Pawan Sehrawat and Sombir.

Haryana Steelers received the services of Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh for a luring INR 2.07 crore. 

According to the PKL release, Chiyaneh has now become the first international player to order a price tag considerable INR 2 crore in two continuous player Auctions.

In another remarkable purchase, Bengaluru Bulls triumphantly bid for Pardeep Narwal, the player with the highest number of raid points in PKL history, for INR 70 lakh. Jaipur Pink Panthers, on the other hand, added the experienced defender Surjeet Singh to their list for INR 60 lakh.

"It was absolutely riveting to watch multiple records being broken in the PKL Season 11 Player Auction. We are filled with pride to see 8 players cross the INR 1 crore mark today and Sunil become the most expensive Indian defender ever. The exciting buys will continue on day 2 and we are eagerly waiting for the action to unfold," a PKL release quoted Anupam Goswami, PKL’s League Commissioner. 

Upon rejoining the Bengaluru Bulls, star raider Pardeep remarked, "It feels great to return to the team where my PKL journey began. I'm excited to play alongside the young talent on the Bulls roster and hope to surpass 1800 raid points in my career."

Regarding his return to the Bengal Warriorz for INR 1.15 crore, Maninder stated, "I'm thrilled to be back. I aim to exceed my performance from last season, as the Bengal Warriorz has always felt like home. Having played with them for six years, it's like being with family, and I'm very pleased to return."