CHENNAI: The fifth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to be bigger and better but is expected to hit television screens only after the Champions Trophy (June 1-18).
After PKL went big with two seasons in 2016 — a move aimed towards maintaining some sort of continuity over 12 months — the organisers have decided to revamp the format yet again.
The organisers and the broadcaster have decided to go back to only one season per year. However, it will be an extended tournament. “Yes, that is true,” Uday Sinh Wala, Banga Bulls’ CEO, told Express.
“There is going to be only one season but it’s going to last close to three months.” While the calendar hasn’t been firmed up yet, the league has been tentatively fixed to begin sometime after the Champions Trophy. If the extended format goes on for three months, it will end just before the Under-17 football World Cup.
A change in the format was in order because teams felt that the short seasons offered players little recovery time. “For the players the short season was a bit too intense,” Uday said.
“There were problems related to recovery. You were either travelling or playing. That creates a problem in the league itself because you are not able to build a proper team. “Secondly, most of the players are employees. So a lot of people were uncomfortable. Twice a year you are going to go away for two-three months.
Could Chennai feature in next edition?
The city could get a taste of the PKL if reports are to be believed. “If new teams are going to be inducted into the league, Chennai will obviously figure in the conversation,” a source said.
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