The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is back for its 10th season, and it promises to be another thrilling spectacle of athleticism, skill, and strategy. The league, which has become a global phenomenon, will once again showcase the best of kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport that has captivated audiences worldwide.
This season, 12 teams will be vying for the coveted title, each bringing their unique blend of talent and experience to the mat. From the defending champions Patna Pirates to the ever-hungry Bengal Warriors, the competition is sure to be fierce.
Season Highlights
- Return to 12-City Format: After a four-year hiatus, the PKL will return to its traditional caravan format, with matches being played across all 12 franchise cities. This will allow fans to witness the action firsthand and cheer on their favorite teams in their hometowns.
- Expanded Broadcast Reach: The PKL will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels and Disney+Hotstar, ensuring that fans can catch all the action, no matter where they are.
- Exciting New Rule Changes: The PKL has introduced a few new rule changes this season, designed to make the game even more exciting and unpredictable. These changes include a new bonus point system for successful raids and a stricter enforcement of the ‘touch rule’.
- Top-Notch Talent: The PKL is home to some of the best kabaddi players in the world, and this season is no exception. Fans can expect to see dazzling displays of skill, agility, and power as the players battle it out for supremacy.
Here’s a list of the top 10 most expensive players in the Pro Kabaddi League 2023 Season 10 auction:
- Pawan Sehrawat (Telugu Titans) – 2.605 crore
- Maninder Singh (Bengal Warriors) – 2.12 crore
- Siddharth Desai (Haryana Steelers) – 1 crore
- Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi K.C.) – 96.25 lac
- Meetu Sharma (Dabang Delhi K.C.) – 93 lac
- Fazel Atrachali (Gujarat Giants) – 87.5 lac
- Rakesh Narwal (Patna Pirates) – 86 lac
- Naveen Kumar (Dabang Delhi K.C.) – 85.5 lac
- Surjeet Singh (U Mumba) – 85 lac
- Meraj Sheykh (Tamil Thalaivas) – 83.5 lac
These players represent the cream of the crop in kabaddi, and their high auction prices reflect their immense talent and potential. They are sure to make a significant impact on the upcoming season.
Schedule and Format
The PKL season will kick off on December 2nd, 2023, and will run until February 21st, 2024. The league stage will consist of a round-robin format, with each team playing each other twice. The top six teams from the league stage will advance to the playoffs, which will follow a knockout format.
Teams to Watch
Every team in the PKL is capable of making a deep run in the playoffs, but there are a few teams that stand out as favorites. The Patna Pirates, the defending champions, are always a force to be reckoned with, and they will be looking to add another title to their trophy cabinet. The Bengal Warriors, who have been consistent performers in recent seasons, will also be a threat this year.
Other teams to watch include the Dabang Delhi K.C., the Gujarat Giants, and the Puneri Paltan. These teams all have the potential to upset the apple cart and make a surprise run to the final.
Predictions
The PKL is always a difficult league to predict, but here are a few bold predictions for the upcoming season:
- The Patna Pirates will repeat as champions.
- The Bengal Warriors will reach the final.
- There will be at least one major upset in the playoffs.
- The PKL will break all viewership records this season.
Conclusion
The Pro Kabaddi League 2023 Season 10 promises to be an exciting and entertaining spectacle of kabaddi action. With top-notch talent, new rule changes, and an expanded broadcast reach, the league is poised to reach new heights of popularity. Fans can expect to see thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, and plenty of surprises. So get ready for another season of high-octane kabaddi action!