PKL Season 10 Gains Global Attention, New Zealand Cricketers Expresses Curiosity Over Kabaddi
New Zealand cricketers Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, and Tom Latham have found themselves captivated by the intense and physical nature of kabaddi. The Kiwi trio shared their thoughts on the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as they were shown highlights during their stay in India for the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham, known for his agility on the cricket field, drew parallels between kabaddi and rugby, stating, “It looks like a pretty physical game. It looks similar to Rugby, with guys teaming up to stop one guy getting across the line. I would nominate Glenn Phillips for this sport. He’s a powerful pocket rocket.”
Speedster Trent Boult, no stranger to athleticism and team dynamics, endorsed his teammates Daryl Mitchell and Tim Southee for a potential kabaddi stint, saying, “I’ve watched it a couple of times. I think you need strong legs for the sport. I would put up Daryl Mitchell and Tim Southee’s names for this game.”
Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Santner expressed interest in seeing his teammate Glenn Phillips take on kabaddi, noting, “I’ve probably got the squirminess for the sport, but not the strength. You need to be agile and strong for kabaddi. Lockie Ferguson might play well. He has a strong core and big legs.”
The unexpected interest from these cricket stars comes just ahead of the highly anticipated 10th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, set to kick off on December 2, 2023, in Ahmedabad. This revelation has sparked a cross-sport camaraderie, demonstrating the universal appeal of kabaddi.
In a major development, Disney+ Hotstar will be streaming the entire PKL season 10 for free. The move is expected to attract a broader audience, allowing fans worldwide to witness the electrifying matches and support their favorite teams and players.
Unlike previous seasons, the upcoming PKL edition will be held in 12 cities, providing fans across the country with the opportunity to attend live matches in their home cities. This decentralized approach is set to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the league.
The PKL auction has already created waves, with veteran raider Pawan Sehrawat securing the highest bid and once again claiming the title of the most expensive player in PKL history. Notable players like Maninder Singh, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Siddharth Desai also garnered significant attention with high bids.
The PKL Season 10 is scheduled to start form 2 December 2023. The unexpected interest from New Zealand's cricket stars adds an intriguing dimension to the league's global appeal. It remains to be seen if other international athletes will follow suit, contributing to the cross-pollination of sporting interests on the global stage.
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