Super Kabaddi League (SKL) 2018
is all set to burst into action on May 2, 2018,
in Lahore. It is being hoped that the league will help revive the game of
Kabaddi in Pakistan and attract the interest of younger generations. Owned by Strawberry Sports Management, an
Islamabad-based sports management company, SKL will have the distinction of
being the first-ever international sports league to be held in its entirety on
Pakistani soil. With corporate backing from Telenor
4G and stellar names from the world of showbiz owning some of the
franchises, organizers are confident that the league will be a successful event
and give a new lease of life to the traditional sport of Kabaddi in Pakistan.
Ten franchise-based teams representing the cities of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Gujrat,
Faisalabad, Peshawar, Gwadar, Kashmir, and Sahiwal will be battling it out for the crown and the chance to be called Pakistan’s finest Kabaddi unit. International players from eight different countries will also be showcasing their talent and ability in front of Pakistani audiences.
A New Era for Kabaddi in Pakistan
A
glittering opening ceremony is scheduled for May 1, 2018, in Lahore, with the tournament proper to get underway the
following day. Being branded as Pakistani Kabaddi’s reintroduction to the
world, it is being anticipated that season 1 of the Super Kabaddi League will
be able to lay a solid foundation for a hugely popular and successful annual
event that the fans will love and eagerly wait for year after year.
Player
Draft for the Super Kabaddi League was held in Lahore on April 23, 2018, where the ten participating teams picked
up their preferred choices in a bid to build up formidable squads that would give
them the best shot at glory. Besides Pakistan, players from Bangladesh, Iran,
Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka would be turning out for the
Islamabad All Stars, Lahore Thunders,
Karachi Zorawar, Multan Sikandar, Faisalabad Sherdils, Gwadar Bahadurs, Gujrat
Warriors, Kashmir Janbaaz, Peshawar Haiders,
and Sahiwal Bulls.
A
total of 126 players were part of the draft, divided into three categories
namely Platinum, Gold, and Foreign. Out of these; 20 players made
up the Platinum category, 90 were in the Gold category, and 16 international
players made up the Foreign category. Each team was allowed to pick a maximum
of 10 players; 2 Platinum, 7 Gold, and 1 Foreign.
Internationally Certified Professional
Kabaddi League
The
International Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has endorsed the Super Kabaddi League
and given the go-ahead to the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) to proceed with
the event. IKF has also assured the PKF of complete support with the organizing
of Super Kabaddi League 2018. This endorsement has allowed SKL to enhance its
scope beyond Pakistani borders and make international players an integral part
of the event.
Kabaddi’s Comeback as a Sport for the
Masses
Despite
Pakistan’s illustrious history in this very popular indigenous sport of the
region, younger generations had somewhat lost interest in it. However, the game
has slowly gained popularity around the world with more than 40 countries today
having national Kabaddi teams competing internationally. Organizers of SKL are
confident of making the new generation sit up and take notice of this highly
exciting and engaging sport. Super Kabaddi League aims to build a long-lasting
brand that will create value and galvanize the interest of the masses in
Kabaddi, while also playing a part in getting international sporting events
well and truly back to the country.