Govt bars Pakistan kabaddi players
The Vivo Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchises on Monday turned their backs on the 10-odd Pakistani players after the Indian government categorically said that they won’t be allowed to compete in the cashrich league until Pakistan stops exporting terror.
Pakistan is one of the 16 countries whose players were listed in the auction for this season beginning June 25, but none of the franchises bid for them. official of the organising committee told HT on the sidelines of the auction that, “Since the league has become global, (the) best in the business have been named in the auction list.
“Pakistan have played an important role in the development of kabaddi, which can’t be ignored. Pakistan has produced some of the best players in the discipline.
“But, it all depends whether the players get government clearance. If the government gives them visa, it’s good, if not, still we are happy,” said Sharma.
During the inaugural PKL in 2014, six Pakistani players took part, but the number declined to four in 2015, and even they couldn’t play because of protests from Shiv Sena.
Nitin Tomar from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh was snapped up for a cool R93 lakh and fellow raider Rohit Kumar got R81 lakh in the players’ auction.
The two upstaged the face of Indian kabaddi, all-rounder Manjeet Chhillar, who had led the list after he was sold for R75.50 lakh to Jaipur Pink Panther (base price R20 lakh).
Nitin Tomar (base price R20 lakh) was bought by Uttar Pradesh. Watching the auction live, he couldn’t believe his good fortune. “It’s a dream come true. All my family members are happy. I can spend some of the money on my sister’s marriage,” he said. Rohit went to Bengaluru Bulls.
Delhi’s Chhillar, who was was retained by Puneri Paltan for R27 lakh, last season, was the third most expensive pick.
Surjeet Singh of Indian Navy was bought for R73 lakh by Bengal Warriors. Selvamani K of Tamil Nadu was sold for R 73 lakh to Jaipur Pink Panther.
Haryana all-rounder Rajesh Kumar went to UP for R 69 lakh.
South Korean Jan Kun-lee didn’t join the auction and was retained by Bengal Warriors for ~80.3 lakh. Category A player, Rajesh Narwal was bought by Team Uttar Pradesh for ~69 lakh.
Puneri Paltan roped in star all-rounder Sandeep Narwal for ~66 lakh. Narwal played for Telugu Titans last season.