Ajith V Kumar, Jai Bhagwan Stand Out On Day 2, Records Shatter In PKL 2024 Auction

Tamil Thalaivas acquire star raider Sachin for a record-breaking INR 2.15 crore, as PKL Season 11 Auction concludes on a high note.

Mumbai: The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 Player Auction, conducted by Mashal Sports in Mumbai, concluded on a high note as franchises made strategic moves to bolster their squads for the upcoming season. The two-day auction, held on August 15-16, 2024, saw intense bidding wars, with Tamil Thalaivas emerging as the most significant spenders, acquiring star raider Sachin for a record-breaking INR 2.15 crore.

This acquisition made Sachin the most expensive player of the auction, a testament to his skills and the value he brings to the team. “I didn’t expect my bid to be so high. It feels really good to join the Tamil Thalaivas. This is certainly a life-changing moment for me,” Sachin expressed, highlighting the immense pressure and responsibility that comes with such a significant investment.

Day 2 of the auction saw an unexpected surge in bidding for Category C players, with Ajith V Kumar becoming the most expensive player in his category. He was acquired by Puneri Paltan for INR 66 lakh, followed closely by Jai Bhagwan, who was picked up by Bengaluru Bulls for INR 63 lakh. These figures underscore the rising value of players beyond the marquee names, as franchises sought to build well-rounded squads.

Arjun Rathi also made headlines as the most expensive player in Category D, sold to Bengal Warriorz for INR 41 lakh. Additionally, Puneri Paltan added Mohd. Amaan to their roster for INR 16.2 lakh, while U Mumba secured Stuwart Singh for INR 14.2 lakh, further demonstrating the depth of talent being sought after in the auction.

Reflecting on the auction’s success, Anupam Goswami, Head Sports Leagues at Mashal Sports and League Commissioner of the Pro Kabaddi League, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s outcomes. “After witnessing a record eight players cross the 1 crore mark on Day 1, it was remarkable to see Category C players such as Ajith V Kumar and Jai Bhagwan attract strong bidding of over 60 Lakh on Day 2. I am extremely happy to see that all franchises have built well-balanced squads, which promises a highly competitive PKL Season 11,” Goswami said.

Pawan Sehrawat, known as the “Hi-Flyer,” made headlines by returning to Telugu Titans for INR 1.725 crore. “I knew that the Telugu Titans would utilize the FBM card for me. I couldn’t carry out the job that I was bought for in the last season, but I’ve received another chance to complete my unfinished business with the franchise,” Sehrawat said, emphasizing his determination to prove his worth in the upcoming season. He also expressed confidence in working with Telugu Titans’ new Head Coach Krishna Kumar Hooda, under whom he has previously enjoyed success.

With the auction now concluded, all 12 PKL franchises have finalized their squads, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Season 11. The season, scheduled to kick off in October 2024, will see the return of the caravan format, adding to the excitement as teams travel across the country to compete in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive season.

As the teams gear up for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to a thrilling display of kabaddi, with new talent and established stars set to light up the arena once again.