Who are the Most Expensive Pro Kabaddi Players?

Since the establishment of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Kabaddi has emerged as a mainstream sport in India.

The league, managed by Mashal Sports, has not only served as a source of entertainment for fans but has also significantly improved the lives of the players involved.

In its inaugural season in 2014, the highest-earning player of PKL was the former Indian captain and Arjuna Awardee, Rakesh Kumar.

He was acquired by the Patna Pirates for a sum of Rs. 12.80 lakh.

However, those days when Rs. 12 lakhs was the maximum amount a player could earn in a PKL season are long gone.

The first team to shatter this ceiling was U Mumba, who paid a staggering Rs. 1 crore for their star defender, Fazel Atrachali, in season 6.

Since then, teams have exceeded the Rs. 1 crore mark for players on more occasions.

In this article, we will delve into the top 5 most expensive players in the history of PKL, exploring their journeys and the significant investments made by teams to secure their talents.

Pawan Sehrawat

Pawan Sehrawat, a name that has become synonymous with exceptional talent and skill in the Pro Kabaddi League, has recently made headlines for a record-breaking deal.

The Tamil Thalaivas, a team known for its strategic investments in players, acquired Sehrawat for a staggering Rs. 2.26 crore.

This deal not only broke previous records but also set a new benchmark in the league.

Sehrawat’s journey in the PKL has been nothing short of extraordinary.

His exceptional skills, agility, and strategic gameplay have made him one of the most sought-after players in the league.

The recent acquisition by Tamil Thalaivas is a testament to his standing in the sport and the value he brings to any team he is part of.

This record-breaking deal has not only catapulted Sehrawat into the limelight but has also highlighted the growing financial stature of the PKL.

It underscores the increasing recognition of Kabaddi as a mainstream sport and the willingness of teams to invest significantly in securing top talent.

As Sehrawat embarks on this new journey with Tamil Thalaivas, fans and followers of the sport eagerly anticipate the impact he will have on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

His record-breaking acquisition has set the stage for an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League, and all eyes will undoubtedly be on Sehrawat as he takes to the field in the Thalaivas’ colours.

Pardeep Narwal

Pardeep Narwal, a name that has become a cornerstone in the Pro Kabaddi League, has had an impressive journey that has led him to become the most expensive player in the league’s history.

Narwal made his debut in the PKL in 2015 with the Bengaluru Bulls.

His exceptional performance and unique style of play quickly caught the attention of the league and fans alike.

In 2016, he moved to the Patna Pirates, where he became an invaluable asset to the team.

His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, and he quickly became a fan favourite.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Narwal was released by the Patna Pirates ahead of the 2021 auctions.

This unexpected move, however, proved to be a blessing in disguise for the talented player.

UP Yoddha, recognising Narwal’s immense talent and potential, seized the opportunity to acquire him.

They picked him up for a staggering Rs. 1.65 crore, setting a new record in the PKL.

This acquisition not only made Narwal the most expensive player in the history of the league but also highlighted the increasing financial stature of the sport.

Monu Goyat

In the 2018 season of the Pro Kabaddi League, amidst the buzz of six players being acquired for more than Rs. 1 crore, one name stood out – Monu Goyat.

Goyat emerged as the most expensive star of the season, with the Haryana Steelers securing his talents for a whopping Rs. 1.51 crore.

This record-breaking deal not only highlighted Goyat’s standing in the sport but also set a new benchmark in the league.

Goyat’s journey in the PKL has been marked by exceptional performances and consistent scoring.

His unique style of play and strategic approach to the game have made him a valuable asset to any team he is part of.

The Haryana Steelers recognised this potential and made a significant investment in acquiring him.

In the 2018 season, Goyat lived up to his reputation and the faith placed in him by the Haryana Steelers.

He ended up scoring an impressive 160 points in just 20 matches, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.

His performance not only contributed significantly to the team’s success but also captivated fans and followers of the sport.

Goyat’s record-breaking deal and his subsequent performance in the 2018 season underscore the growing financial stature of the PKL and the increasing recognition of Kabaddi as a mainstream sport.

Siddharth Desai

Siddharth Desai, a name that has become a beacon of talent and skill in the PKL, has had an impressive journey that has led him to become one of the most expensive players in the league’s history.

Desai began his PKL career with U Mumba in 2018, where he made an immediate impact.

His exceptional performance and unique style of play quickly caught the attention of the league and fans alike.

In just 21 matches, Desai scored a remarkable 221 raid points, showcasing his exceptional skills and strategic gameplay.

His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, and he quickly became a fan favourite.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Desai was released by U Mumba ahead of the next season.

This unexpected move, however, proved to be a golden opportunity for the Telugu Titans.

Recognising Desai’s immense talent and potential, they seized the opportunity to acquire him.

They picked him up for a staggering Rs. 1.45 crore, setting a new record in the PKL.

This acquisition not only made Desai the most expensive player in the 2019 season but also highlighted the increasing financial stature of the sport.

Rahul Chaudhari

Rahul Chaudhari, a name that has become synonymous with the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has had an illustrious journey in the sport.

Known for his exceptional skills and dynamic gameplay, Chaudhari has been the face of the PKL for a significant period.

Chaudhari began his PKL journey with the Telugu Titans, where he played for the first five seasons of the league.

His consistent high-scoring performances and unique style of play quickly made him a fan favourite and an invaluable asset to the team.

His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, and he quickly became a key figure in the league.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Chaudhari was released by the Telugu Titans ahead of the 2018 season.

This unexpected move, however, proved to be a golden opportunity for the Titans to recognise Chaudhari’s immense talent and potential.

They seized the opportunity to reacquire him, picking him up for a staggering Rs. 1.29 crore.

This acquisition not only made Chaudhari the second most expensive player in the league for the season but also highlighted the increasing financial stature of the sport.

Chaudhari’s journey in the PKL is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the high regard in which he is held in the sport.

The Pro Kabaddi League has seen a significant rise in the financial stakes involved in the sport.

The league has not only brought Kabaddi into the mainstream but has also transformed the lives of its players.

From Rakesh Kumar’s Rs. 12.80 lakh deal in the inaugural season to Pawan Sehrawat’s record-breaking Rs. 2.26 crore deal, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

These high-value deals underscore the increasing recognition of Kabaddi as a mainstream sport and the willingness of teams to invest significantly in securing top talent.

Players like Pardeep Narwal, Monu Goyat, Siddharth Desai, and Rahul Chaudhari have all made their mark in the league, with their exceptional skills and performances justifying their high price tags.

As we look forward to the upcoming seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League, we can expect to see more record-breaking deals and exciting performances.

The stage is set for an exciting future for the sport, and all eyes will undoubtedly be on these top players as they continue to make their mark in the Pro Kabaddi League.