The much-anticipated player auction for the inaugural season of the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) concluded on a high note, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in professional kabaddi. The event saw eight franchises fiercely compete to build their dream teams, locking in a total of 112 players for the league's debut edition.
A Star-Studded Affair with Big Money Moves
The auction room buzzed with excitement as franchises strategically placed their bids to secure top talent. The marquee category set the tone, with several established stars commanding significant sums. Pawan Sehrawat, the iconic raider, emerged as the most expensive buy of the auction, being snapped up by the Mumbai team for a whopping Rs 33 lakh. Close on his heels was another raiding maestro, Naveen Kumar, who was acquired by the Ahmedabad franchise for Rs 31.75 lakh.
Defenders were not far behind in the bidding wars. Seasoned cover defender Surjeet Singh fetched a handsome price of Rs 26.50 lakh, joining the Jaipur squad. The auction demonstrated a balanced demand for both raiding prowess and defensive solidity, with franchises aiming to create well-rounded teams capable of handling the pressure of a new league.
Franchise Strategies and Squad Compositions
Each of the eight franchises—Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Punjab—approached the auction with clear plans. The teams were required to fill a squad of 14 players, adhering to a total salary cap. The final squads reflect a mix of experienced internationals, promising young talent, and reliable domestic players.
Apart from the headline-grabbing big buys, several other notable players found new homes. Raiders like Guman Singh and defenders like Mohit went for impressive amounts, indicating the depth of talent available. The auction process ensured that all teams had a fair chance to build competitive rosters, promising a highly contested inaugural season where no single team starts as an overwhelming favorite.
What This Means for Kabaddi's Future
The successful conclusion of the KCL auction marks a pivotal moment for kabaddi. The establishment of a new, high-profile league with substantial financial backing and city-based franchises is set to expand the sport's ecosystem. It provides a fresh platform for players to showcase their skills, increases earning potential, and is likely to boost kabaddi's popularity across India and in key international markets.
The league's model, mirroring the success of other major Indian sports leagues, aims to bring professional management, enhanced fan engagement, and top-tier production values to the kabaddi arena. The inaugural season is scheduled to commence on February 10, 2025, with the final slated for March 9. All 56 matches of the league stage will be played across a dynamic double round-robin format, ensuring plenty of action for fans.
With teams now finalized, the focus shifts to pre-season preparations. Coaches and support staff will begin the crucial task of gelling their squads into cohesive units. The Kabaddi Champions League auction has successfully built the foundation; now, the world awaits the on-mat spectacle that will define this exciting new venture in Indian sports.
