We might not see much of Iranian players in the Pro Kabaddi League this year. The war has officially started between Iran and Israel. Iran launched missiles at Israel on Tuesday as alarms sounded across the country and civilians rushed for shelter. This conflict can impact the participation of players in the Pro Kabaddi League. The war has disrupted many services in Iran, including flights, phones, and electricity. Many Iranian players participate in the Pro Kabaddi League every year. Due to the ongoing war, they might miss the competition this year.
Before the commencement of the Pro Kabaddi League, many players are still in Iran. If the war continues, they might not be able to come to India. Many star Pro Kabaddi League players, such as Fazel Atrachali, Hamid Mirzaei Nader, and Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, might miss Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League.
How many Iranian players are competing in the Pro Kabaddi League?
A total of 18 players are participating in the Pro Kabaddi League. Most of the Iranian players who participate in the league are either all-rounders or defenders. Only Heidarali Ekrami of U.P. Yoddhas is a raider.
Which teams will be affected the most in Pro Kabaddi?
Almost all teams have at least one Iranian player in their squad. The teams that will be most affected by the absence of Iranian players are Bengal Warriors, Gujarat Giants, and Haryana Steelers.
Bengal Warriors: This year, the Bengal-based franchise signed legendary Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali for a whopping ₹50 lakh. He is the backbone of the team’s defence. They let go of their best defender, Shubham Shine. The other defenders are young and inexperienced. This would be a shocking loss for the team.
Gujarat Giants: This year, the team secured Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh and defender Vahid Reza Eimehr. Their absence could cost the team. Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh was part of the PKL-winning team Puneri Paltan in Season 10 and could prove to be a significant loss if he isn’t there.
Haryana Steelers: Haryana spent a major portion of their auction purse on Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, buying the all-rounder for ₹2.07 crore. In the 2023-24 season, he ended the campaign as the player with the most tackle points (99). If he doesn’t join the squad, it would put a lot of pressure on the Haryana team, which is yet to win its first title.
Since U Mumba’s head coach, Gholamreza Mazandarani, is already in India, it’s a big relief for the Mumbai-based Kabaddi franchise.
Impact on Pro Kabaddi League without Iranian Players
The absence of Iranian players from the PKL could have significant consequences.
Low Competition and Excitement: Iranian players have been a strong presence in the PKL, known for their excellent defensive skills. Without them, the overall competition of the matches might drop. Many Iranian players have won fans with their impressive performances. Their absence could lessen the excitement and appeal for fans.
Impact on Team Strategy and Dynamics: Teams will have to change their strategies due to the loss of Iranian talent. They may rely more on Indian players or try out new tactics. This shift could change the balance of competition between teams, with some teams feeling the impact of missing Iranian players more than others.
Reduced Viewership: If the league’s quality decreases, it may result in fewer viewers. This decline could also lead to a drop in sponsorship revenue for the league.
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