The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is all set to get underway for season 10, with the first match taking place on Saturday, 2 December.
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The player auction for season 10 took place in October, with several star names switching teams, and more exciting players both from India and abroad being added into the league. The likes of Maninder Singh and Ashu Malik were among the domestic players who raked in large bids.
There was a sizable overseas contingent of players up for auction this season too. Here, The Sporting News brings you the top international players to watch out for in PKL season 10.
Who are the star international players in PKL season 10?
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh
The best way to begin is with the most expensive overseas buy in the history of the PKL. 23-year-old Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh fetched a final bid of Rs 2.35 crores from Puneri Paltan, ending his two-year association with three-time champions Patna Pirates.
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Chiyaneh played mainly as a left-corner defender for Patna, amassing 94 and 89 tackle points respectively in his two seasons with the side. He was released ahead of the 2023 auction, and has immediately found a new home in Pune. Chiyaneh is Iran's current national team captain, and was part of the country's victorious Junior World Kabaddi Championships camapign in 2019.
Fazel Atrachali
From one Iranian star to another, the next player to watch out for is defender Fazel Atrachali. In the 2023 auction, Atrachali was bought by the Gujarat Giants for a salary of Rs 1.6 crores having represented the Gujarat Fortunegiants in PKL season 5.
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The 31-year-old is a PKL veteran of 146 matches, having made his debut for U Mumba back in 2015. He brings valuable experience and skill to Gujarat, as evidenced by his record of 424 tackle points in his PKL career, more than anyone else.
Atrachali captained Iran at the 2014 Asian Games, leading them to the silver medal. All in all, he has won three silver medals and one gold medal with the national team in the Asian Games. Last week, he was also announced as Gujarat's captain for season 10.
Amirmohammed Zafardanesh
Rounding off the list of overseas players to watch is yet another Iranian star, Amirmohammed Zafardanesh. He was the most expensive player sold on day 2 of the auction, as U Mumba snapped him up for Rs 68 lakhs.
MORE: When is Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 starting? Schedule, Venues, and Teams
Still only 19 years old, the young all-rounder is an up-and-coming star in the sport. This is his first contract in the PKL, and he will be hoping to make a big impact. Zafardanesh was included in the Iranian squad for the 2023 Asian Games, where the team secured the silver medal after losing to India in a tense final.
U Mumba will be hoping he can replicate the form of his compatriot Atrachali, and become a core part of their side for years to come.
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