LIVE | PKL 2024 Auction: Bengal Warriors Retain Maninder, Sachin Joins Tamil Thalaivas for ₹2.15 Crore
Pro Kabaddi League 2024: An Exciting Start with Big Buys and Strategic Moves
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has returned for its highly anticipated 11th season, bringing the thrill of live auctions back to the forefront. Held in Mumbai on the 15th and 16th of August 2024, the PKL auction has set the stage for intense competition among 12 teams, all vying to secure the top players for the upcoming season. With 500 players, including both domestic and international stars, up for grabs, the excitement is palpable. Each team has a spending cap of ₹5 crore, making the strategy behind every bid crucial. Among the big names on the auction list were Maninder Singh, Pawan Sehrawat, and Pardeep Narwal, all of whom were expected to attract significant attention.
Player Categories and Base Prices: The Framework of the Auction
The auction process was structured around four player categories, each with a specific base price. These categories were designed to provide teams with a range of options to balance their rosters:
- Category A: Base Price ₹30 lakh
- Category B: Base Price ₹20 lakh
- Category C: Base Price ₹13 lakh
- Category D: Base Price ₹9 lakh
With 212 slots available across the 12 teams, and 88 players already retained by their respective franchises, the auction saw teams making calculated moves to fill their remaining positions.
Day 1 Highlights: Major Buys and Key Retentions
The first day of the auction was filled with dramatic moments as teams engaged in bidding wars to secure top talent. One of the most significant deals was Tamil Thalaivas acquiring Sachin Tanwar for a whopping ₹2.15 crore, making him one of the most expensive buys in PKL history. Despite the hefty price tag, the Thalaivas were determined to bolster their squad with Tanwar’s proven skills.
Another notable move was the Haryana Steelers’ successful bid for Mohammadreza Shadloui, who was snapped up for ₹2.07 crore. Meanwhile, Pawan Sehrawat made headlines by rejoining his former team, Telugu Titans, further strengthening their lineup.
Bengal Warriors Use FBM to Retain Maninder Singh
One of the auction’s most talked-about moments was when Bengal Warriors exercised their Final Bid Match (FBM) card to retain star raider Maninder Singh. Initially, Bengaluru Bulls secured Maninder for ₹1.15 crore, but Bengal Warriors, keen to keep their talisman, matched the bid using their FBM card. This strategic move highlighted the importance of retaining core players who can make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Surprise Ups and Downs: Players Who Went Unsold
While many players attracted significant bids, some notable names surprisingly went unsold. Vishal Bhardwaj, a well-regarded defender, did not find any takers, leaving many fans and analysts puzzled. Similarly, all-rounders like Rohit Gulia and Visvanth V also went unsold, indicating that teams were perhaps more focused on filling specific roles rather than acquiring versatile players.
Key Acquisitions: Teams Strengthen Their Roster
Throughout the auction, teams made strategic moves to build a well-rounded squad. For example, U Mumba secured Sunil Kumar, adding a robust defender to their ranks. Patna Pirates, known for their aggressive gameplay, acquired Shinde for ₹70 lakh, adding depth to their defense.
UP Yoddhas were also active in the auction, successfully bidding ₹1.3 crore for Bharat, an all-rounder who promises to bring versatility to their team. Additionally, they secured Sahul Kumar for ₹30 lakh after a competitive bidding war with U Mumba.
Strategic Bids and Final Moments
As the auction progressed, teams continued to fine-tune their squads. Dabang Delhi made a calculated move by securing Ashish for ₹23.50 lakh, outbidding UP Yoddhas. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, exercised their FBM to retain Sombir after a brief bidding war with Bengal Warriors.
One of the auction’s climactic moments came when Tamil Thalaivas secured Sachin Tanwar for ₹2.15 crore, outbidding rivals in a heated contest. This acquisition marked a significant investment in their squad, as Tanwar’s skills as a raider are expected to be a game-changer in the upcoming season.
Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead
The PKL 2024 auction has set the stage for an exciting season, with teams making bold moves and strategic bids to secure top talent. As the dust settles, fans eagerly await the start of the season to see how these newly formed squads will perform on the mat. With big names like Maninder Singh, Sachin Tanwar, and Pawan Sehrawat in the mix, the 11th season of Pro Kabaddi promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. The auction’s outcome has not only reshaped team rosters but also heightened the anticipation for what lies ahead in the world of Pro Kabaddi.