PKL 12 Auction: The Valuable Impact of Overseas Players

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has grown into one of India’s most popular sports leagues and the PKL 12 auction is approaching. While Indian players have always been the heart of the league, overseas players are making a big impact, bringing unique skills and global appeal. In the PKL 12 auction, international stars like Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh and Fazel Atrachali are expected to draw massive bids, just as they did in past seasons. The influence of overseas players in the PKL 12 auction can be a game-changer, how they fit into team squads, and they offers unique skills.

Over the years, the PKL has evolved to a global platform for kabaddi. Overseas players have played a key role in this transformation, adding flair and competitiveness. In the PKL 12 auction, teams are likely to bid heavily for international stars, as seen in Season 11 when 21 foreign players were picked by the 12 franchises. The presence of players like Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, who fetched Rs 2.07 crore from Haryana Steelers in Season 11, shows how valuable these players have become. Similarly, Fazel Atrachali, known as “the Sultan,” was signed by Bengal Warriorz for Rs 50 lakh, proving that experience and skill command attention.

The growing influence of overseas players in the PKL 12 auction is driven by their ability to deliver match-winning performances. For example, Shadloui’s 99 tackle points in Season 10 and 82 tackle points in Season 11 highlight his dominance as an all-rounder. Meanwhile, Atrachali holds the record for the highest tackle points in PKL history with 545, making him a defensive legend. These stats show why teams are willing to spend big in the PKL 12 auction to secure such talent.

How Teams Include Overseas Players in Their Squads

In the PKL, each team can have a squad of 18 to 25 players, with a no maximum limit of overseas players. This rule ensures a balance between Indian and international talent while allowing teams to add global stars. During the PKL 12 auction, franchises will use their Rs 5 crore purse to bid for players across four categories (A, B, C, D), with base prices ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. Overseas players often fall into higher categories due to their proven track records, leading to intense bidding wars.

Teams also use the Final Bid Match (FBM) card to retain released players, including overseas stars. For instance, in Season 11, Telugu Titans used their FBM card to retain Indian star Pawan Sehrawat, but similar strategies could apply to international players in the PKL 12 auction. Coaches and team management carefully select overseas players to complement their Indian core, focusing on those who bring unique skills like Shadloui’s all-round brilliance or Atrachali’s defensive leadership.

Impactful Overseas Players To Watch in PKL 12 Auction

Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh

Mohammadreza Shadloui, known as the “Showstopper,” has been a standout since his PKL debut in 2022. In Season 10, he earned 99 tackle points, the highest among defenders, and added 27 raid points for Puneri Paltan. In Season 11, he joined Haryana Steelers for Rs 2.07 crore and delivered 82 tackle points and 57 raid points, leading his team to their first PKL title. His 139 total points in Season 11 earned him the MVP award, making him a top pick for the PKL 12 auction. Shadloui’s aggressive style and versatility make him a complete package.

Fazel Atrachali

Atrachali, the “Sultan,” is a PKL legend with 545 tackle points across his career. In Season 11, he captained Bengal Warriorz, scoring 59 tackle points, including eight Super Tackles and three High 5s. Despite his team’s struggles, Atrachali became the first player to reach 500 tackle points in PKL history, a milestone achieved in Season 11. His leadership and defensive skills will likely make him a hot prospect in the PKL 12 auction.

Moein Shafaghi

Tamil Thalaivas’ Moein Shafaghi was a revelation in Season 11, scoring 103 raid points in 14 matches, with four Super 10s and four Super Raids. His raiding heroics were a bright spot for a team that finished ninth, showing that overseas players can lead attacks. Shafaghi’s performance could see him command a high bid in the PKL 12 auction.

Reza Mirbagheri

Iranian defender Reza Mirbagheri was a key player for Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 11, earning 58 tackle points in 23 matches, with four Super Tackles and two High 5s. He also added 14 raid points, helping his team reach the playoffs. Mirbagheri’s consistent performances make him another overseas star to watch in the PKL 12 auction.

Countries and Foreign Players in PKL 11

In PKL Season 11, 21 overseas players from five countries, Iran, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Bangladesh participated, showcasing the league’s global reach. Here’s a breakdown of the players and their nationalities:

• Iran (15 players): Over 70% of foreign players were Iranian, reflecting their dominance. Key names include:
  • Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh (Haryana Steelers, Rs 2.07 crore)
  • Fazel Atrachali (Bengal Warriorz, Rs 50 lakh)
  • Moein Shafaghi (Tamil Thalaivas)
  • Reza Mirbagheri (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
  • Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi (UP Yoddhas, Rs 25 lakh)
  • Heidarali Ekrami (UP Yoddhas, Rs 19.10 lakh)
  • Hamid Mirzaei Nader (Patna Pirates)
  • Amir Hossein Mohammadmaleki (Jaipur Pink Panthers, Rs 13 lakh)
  • Seven other Iranian players were also part of various squads.
• South Korea (1 player):
  • Jang Kun Lee (Patna Pirates, Rs 17.50 lakh), who returned to PKL after four years.
• Chinese Taipei (1 player):
  • Chai-Ming Chang (Bengal Warriorz), known for his raiding at the Asian Games.
• Thailand (2 players):
  • Hasun Thongkruea (Bengaluru Bulls)
  • Pramot Saising (Bengaluru Bulls)
• Bangladesh (1 player):
  • Md. Mijanur Rahman (listed in auction, team unspecified).

This diversity shows how PKL has become a melting pot of kabaddi talent, with Iran leading the charge due to its strong kabaddi culture. The PKL 12 auction may see even more countries represented, as nations like Japan and Kenya have participated in past seasons.

Challenges for Overseas Players in PKL 12 Auction

While overseas players are valuable, they face challenges. Language barriers and adapting to India’s fast-paced PKL style can be tough, as seen with some Iranian players in earlier seasons. Additionally, teams must balance their budgets, as signing a high-cost player like Shadloui leaves less money for others. In Season 11, eight players crossed Rs 1 crore, showing the financial pressure. The PKL 12 auction will test teams’ ability to strategize wisely.

What to Expect in the PKL 12 Auction

The PKL 12 auction is expected to be a blockbuster, with overseas players at the center. Shadloui, fresh off his MVP season, could break his own record as the most expensive overseas buy. Atrachali, with his unmatched experience, may attract bids from teams like Gujarat Giants or U Mumba, who missed him in Season 11. Emerging stars like Moein Shafaghi and Reza Mirbagheri could also see higher bids after their Season 11 performances.

Teams like Tamil Thalaivas, who invested heavily in Sachin Tanwar (Rs 2.15 crore) in Season 11, may target an overseas defender to balance their squad. Similarly, defending champions Haryana Steelers might retain Shadloui via FBM or bid for another international star to maintain their edge. The inclusion of players from Khelo India University Games, as seen in Season 11, could also bring new international talent to the PKL 12 auction.

FAQs About Impact of Overseas Players in the PKL 12 Auction

1. Which overseas player is expected to fetch the highest bid in the PKL 12 auction?

Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, the Season 11 MVP, is likely to attract the highest bid due to his all-round skills and recent performances, potentially surpassing his Rs 2.07 crore price from Season 11.

2. Which countries were represented in the PKL 11?

In PKL Season 11, players from five countries participated: Iran (15 players), South Korea (Jang Kun Lee), Chinese Taipei (Chai-Ming Chang), Thailand (Hasun Thongkruea, Pramot Saising), and Bangladesh (Md. Mijanur Rahman).

3. Which player has the most tackle points in the history of PKL?

Fazel Atrachali has the most tackle points in the history of PKL with 545 tackle points.