The Pro Kabaddi League is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world promising lucrative rewards for players. Some of the most expensive players in sports have been witnessed in PKL, as the franchises leave no stone unturned to procure the best of the talents even if it means breaking the bank.
Since its inception in 2014, the PKL has turned numerous kabaddi stars into crorepatis. The player to bag INR 1 crore was Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali who was acquired by U Mumba in Season 6.
That was just the beginning. Several kabaddi stars had gone on to even breach the INR 2 crore mark.
Icons like Hi-Flyer Pawan Sehrawat and Iranian powerhouse Mohammadreza Shadloui, have fetched INR 2 crore-plus bids more than once. Raiders Sachin Tanwar and Maninder Singh have also joined the elite list of double crorepatis in auction history.
Let us have a look at the top five most expensive players in PKL history:
1. Pawan Sehrawat (Telugu Titans)- INR 2.605 crore
Star raider Pawan Sehrawat shattered his own record to become the most expensive player in PKL history after Telugu Titans bought him for INR 2.605 crore ahead of Season 10.
The lad from Haryana produced a remarkable performance amassing 202 raid points and 15 tackle points. However, Titans endured a poor campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just 21 points from 22 matches.
2. Mohammadreza Shadloui (Puneri Paltan)- INR 2.35 crore
Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui was acquired by Puneri Paltan for INR 2.35 crore in the Season 10 player auction, making him the second-most expensive player in PKL history.
Nicknamed the ‘Showstopper’, Shadloui did not disappoint and proved his worth, leading Puneri Paltan to their maiden PKL title. He was named the best defender of Season 10, posting a staggering 99 tackle points.
3. Pawan Sehrawat (Tamil Thalaivas)- INR 2.26 crore
Pawan Sehrawat became the costliest player in Season 9 after Tamil Thalaivas secured his services for INR 2.26 crore.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a knee injury in the opening game against Gujarat Giants. He was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi League Season 12: Players Who Joined Elite ₹2 Crore Club
4. Sachin Tanwar (Tamil Thalaivas)- INR 2.15 crore
Sachin Tanwar, one of the most talented raiders, became the most expensive player in the Season 11 Player Auction. He was snapped up by Tamil Thalaivas for INR 2.15 crore.
With 82 raid points and 8 tackle points, Tanwar had a decent campaign, but the Thalaivas failed to rise to the occasion, finishing ninth with 50 points from 22 matches.
5. Maninder Singh (Bengal Warriors)- INR 2.12 crore
Veteran raider Maninder Singh was retained by Bengal Warriors through the Final Bid Match (FBM) option in the PKL Season 10 auction for INR 2.12 crore, making him the costliest FBM buy in PKL history.
Singh lived up to expectations, scoring 197 raid points in 21 games. However, the Warriors narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing seventh on the table.
