The excitement for the 2024 Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction kicked off on August 15, featuring intense bidding wars and surprising moves. Eight players crossed the ₹1 crore mark, emphasizing the rising stakes and interest surrounding the league.
Leading the pack, Sachin Tanwar was acquired by the Tamil Thalaivas for ₹2.15 crore, making him the highest-priced Indian player of the day. He has now secured his place as the second most expensive Indian player in PKL history.
Following closely was Iran's Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, who went to the Haryana Steelers for ₹2.07 crore. This marked two significant signings for both teams as they gear up for the season.
Indian star Pawan Sehrawat, who once again remained one of the most sought-after players, was retained by Telugu Titans for ₹1.725 crore through the Final Bid Match (FBM) option. This decision came after initial slow bidding, where former teams competed fiercely to secure his services.
U Mumba was not left behind; they secured Manjeet for ₹80 lakh after fending off competition from Bengaluru Bulls. This acquisition wrapped up the first day of intense negotiations.
Another notable signing came when the Bengaluru Bulls brought Ajinkya Pawar on board for ₹1.1075 crore. The bidding for Pawar heated up as U Mumba and Jaipur Pink Panthers also showed strong interest.
Teams showed no hesitation to orchestrate bidding maneuvers. Bharat Hooda fetched ₹1.30 crore from UP Yoddhas, proving his worth among the top players.
Meanwhile, during the auction's first round of pool B players, Vijay Malik was picked up by the Telugu Titans for ₹20 lakh. This added depth to the Titans’ roster heading toward the new season.
A surprise moment arrived when Maninder Singh extended his lengthy stay with the Bengal Warriors, whom he has been with for 11 years, for ₹1.15 crore. His loyalty to the franchise continues to pay off.
The day also saw Guman Singh being acquired by the Gujarat Giants for ₹1.97 crore, making him one of the pricier signings of the event. It was another big win for the Giants as they build their team.
One of the less fortunate outcomes of the auction was several players not finding buyers, including Vishal Bhardwaj and Rohit Gulia, leaving them unsold. The dynamics of bidding clearly varied, with some players generating significant buzz.
With over 500 athletes being auctioned over the two-day event, anticipation remained high. The second day promises even more excitement and potential surprises.
Bidding strategies shifted rapidly, especially as franchises used FBM cards effectively to retain key players. The competitive nature of the auction underlined the teams’ commitment to constructing winning squads.
The auction concluded with remarkable outcomes, setting the stage for a thrilling 2024 PKL season. The emphasis on securing top talent reflects the league's growing prominence within Indian sports.
Fans and commentators eagerly await the next day’s proceedings and team formations as players show off their skills on the kabaddi mat. It’s clear the competition will be stiff, with the auction results laying the groundwork for contenders vying for glory.
Overall, the first day of the PKL 2024 auction was filled with twists and turns, highlighting the intense passion for kabaddi. With key players established and surprising outcomes, all eyes will be on Day 2 for more strategic moves and potential game-changers.
