Pro Kabaddi League 2: More players, captains commit to ‘Swachh Bharat’
The second season will see 25 players in a squad to last year’s 14
Mumbai: The inaugural season of Pro Kabaddi League – the traditional sport of India – turned out to be one of the best-sellers in the age of cricket. Like every league, the celebrity quotient added the much needed zing. After Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone on the promotional song set the stage, the announcement of more players in a squad brought smiles on faces.
The tournament, starting July 18, will now have 25 players in one team.
“The squad strength of teams have been bolstered from 14. There will be more Iranian players in action,” said Nitin Kukreja, head of Star Sports, at the trophy unveiling event here on Thursday.
The move is to ensure every player gets his due in the immensely popular sport, driven by fans all over India.
Kabaddi, being a physical sport, is prone to injuries and having a bank of players in a squad will only help franchises strategise better.
Janardhan Singh Gehlot, International Kabaddi Federation President, said: “Pro Kabaddi is now a viable career option for young talent across the country.”
However, eight team representatives, along with captains, were present as the trophy for the second season was uncovered.
Well, the league is also committed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”. The team captains signed a petition nodding the move after the trophy launch.
The grand tournament opener will see defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers (Jaipur) take on U Mumba (Mumbai) on Saturday.