The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to return for its 11th season, beginning on October 18, 2024, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. This season promises to be an exciting one, with a new three-destination format that will see matches played in Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune.
A New Format in Pro Kabaddi
Unlike previous seasons, which featured a 12-destination format, the 2024 edition of PKL will be held across three cities. The first leg of the tournament will take place in Hyderabad from October 18. The action will then move to the Noida Indoor Stadium starting November 10, and the final leg will be held at the Balewadi Badminton Stadium in Pune from December 3. The dates and venues for the playoffs will be announced later.
The PKL 2024 auction, held in Mumbai in August, saw several players commanding high bids. Sachin Tanwar became the most expensive player, with Tamil Thalaivas bidding ₹2.15 crore for the raider. Other notable players include Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, who was picked up by Haryana Steelers for ₹2.07 crore, and Guman Singh, who joined Gujarat Giants for ₹1.97 crore.
Opening Ceremony and Initial Matches
The opening ceremony in Hyderabad is expected to be a grand affair, featuring performances by popular artists and a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the region. The first match of the season will see Bengaluru Bulls take on Telugu Titans, setting the stage for an exciting start to the tournament.
🚨 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝟭 • 𝗣𝗞𝗟 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝟭𝟭 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘 🚨 pic.twitter.com/MBqFxGCw4r
— ProKabaddi (@ProKabaddi) September 9, 2024
Anupam Goswami, CEO of Mashal Sports and League Commissioner of PKL, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season. “After successfully completing 10 seasons, PKL Season 11 will mark a new milestone in the continued rise of the league. This would strengthen the growth of kabaddi in India and elsewhere around the world,” he said.
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