The PKL, which has been a feeder system for the Indian national kabaddi team, has also provided a platform for foreign players to showcase their talent. Iranians have been a prominent presence in the league since its inception, with Fazel Atrachali being the standout player from the country. Known as the ‘Sultan’, Atrachali has been a force to be reckoned with in the league, leading the tackle points tally with a total of 424 tackle points in 146 matches. Atrachali’s impressive performances have earned him a huge fan following and he was the second most expensive foreigner at the latest PKL auction, being picked up for 2 crores by Gujarat Giants.
South Korea’s Jan Kun Lee is another foreign player who made a mark in the PKL, having been part of the league since its inaugural edition. Lee, a raider, made his debut with Bengal Warriors and became the first foreign raider to surpass 400 raid points in his PKL career. However, he has not been part of the league since 2019.
Kenya’s Victor Obiero and Bangladesh’s Zia Ur Rehman have also had their stints in the PKL, with Obiero featuring for Tamil Thalaivas and Puneri Paltan, and Rehman playing for Puneri Paltan and Bengal Warriors. Despite their limited game time, both players have made valuable contributions to their respective teams.
The PKL has truly provided a global platform for kabaddi players, allowing them to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of the sport worldwide.
