3 Countries No Longer Part Of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is a sport which is always dominated by the Indian players. However there were 3 more countries which are no longer a part of this.
Just a couple of days remain to find the winners of PKL Season Nine. It has been a wonderful ride the past two months.
The tournament has seen players from India and other countries shine brightly, raising hopes for future seasons. This could help to grow the sport in other countries.
A league still dominated by Indians has a strong Iranian, South Korean and Kenyan presence. These players have been strong pillars of their teams and have greatly contributed to their success.
However, before this, there were three other nations in the league that had made an impact but are now not part of the tournament.
The 3 Countries Which Have To Leave PKL
Let’s look at the countries and players that once belonged to the league, but they are no longer a part of the PKL tournament.
1. Pakistan
The Patna Pirates were represented by Waseem Sajid, a prominent Pakistani defender. He was part of the first season of the Pro Kabaddi League.
Sajjad was a great tackler for the Patna-based team. His tackle on Anup Kumar, then U Mumba’s Anup, is still a topic of conversation.
Sajjad accumulated 27 tackle points in 15 games played for Patna Pirates, PKL 1. He also made three outstanding tackles during that season.
Although he was able to play in only two games, the Patna Pirates retained the Pakistani all-rounder. He did not score any points.
The Patna Pirates cut him before the third season. No Pakistani player has participated in the Pro Kabaddi League since then.
2. Poland
Michal Spiczko was a former captain of Poland’s kabaddi team and made history when he became the first Polish player to participate in the league in 2015.
The Bengaluru Bulls gave him the opportunity to show his skills on the mat. Although Spiczko could not score any tackle points, his mere presence on the mat attracted the attention of the spectators.
The Bengaluru Bulls kept him for the third season, but he was released before the fourth. The PKL has never had other Polish players.
Also Read: Highest Paid Players in Pro Kabaddi League Auction 2022
3. Japan
While Japanese kabaddi players have signed contracts with PKL clubs last season, they haven’t had many opportunities to play on the mat.
Telugu Titans signed Japanese defender Abe Tetsuro in the last season. Abe was not allowed to showcase his talents, despite having many injuries.
Abe was not able to compete in Pro Kabaddi. However, his countrymen Masayuki Schimokawa (U Mumba) and TakamitsuKono (Dabang Delhi KC) did so in their first seasons. Kono also participated in Puneri Paltan’s 2017 league.
