Pro Kabaddi League Season 11: Epic Kickoff and Record-Breaking Auction

Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League starts on October 18 with a thrilling match between Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls. The auction in Mumbai saw record-breaking bids, with Sachin becoming the most expensive buy at Rs 2.15 crore.

The much-anticipated Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 is set to kick off on October 18 with an opening match featuring the Telugu Titans against the Bengaluru Bulls in Hyderabad. Notably, the match will spotlight Telugu Titans' star raider Pawan Sehrawat facing off against Pardeep Narwal, who is making his return to the Bengaluru Bulls.

The tournament's second clash will see U Mumba's Sunil Kumar, the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history, bought for Rs. 1.015 crore, go up against the skilled attacker Naveen Kumar of Dabang Delhi K.C. This season, the PKL will revert to a three-city format, beginning at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad from October 18 to November 9, continuing to the Noida Indoor Stadium from November 10 to December 1, and concluding at the Balewadi Badminton Stadium in Pune from December 3 to December 24.

However, the schedule and venue for the playoffs remain to be announced. The recent PKL Season 11 Auction, held in Mumbai on August 15-16, 2024, made headlines with eight players crossing the Rs 1 crore mark, a new record for the league. Sachin emerged as the most expensive buy, snapped up by Tamil Thalaivas for a whopping Rs 2.15 crore. A total of 118 players were sold to 12 franchises during the auction.

Ajith V Kumar set a new record in Category C, acquired by Puneri Paltan for Rs 66 lakh, while Jai Bhagwan went to Bengaluru Bulls for Rs 63 lakh. Arjun Rathi became the most expensive player in Category D, bought by Bengal Warriorz for Rs 41 lakh. Additionally, Puneri Paltan secured Mohd. Amaan for Rs 16.2 lakh, and Stuwart Singh was signed by U Mumba for Rs 14.2 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)