In the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), success isn’t just about local talent. International players in PKL have played a big role in taking the league to new levels. Their presence has turned PKL into a global event, bringing together players from around the world.
Here, we highlight the top five foreign players who have made a significant impact in PKL history:
5. Fazel Atrachali
Fazel Atrachali is a standout defender in the PKL, leading with an impressive 424 tackle points and 26 High Fives, known for his strong defense and agility, Atrachali has proven his leadership on the field. He has won titles with U Mumba and Patna Pirates and led Gujarat Giants to the finals in Season 5 and Puneri Paltan in Season 9. Beyond the PKL, Atrachali also captained the Iranian team to gold at the 2018 Asian Games, where they beat India in the semifinals. His success and resilience make him a key figure in kabaddi.
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4.Mohammadreza Shadlou
Mohammadreza Shadlou made a strong debut in PKL Season 8, quickly becoming a standout player. In just 24 matches, he earned 89 tackle points and achieved 10 High Fives. His defensive skills were even more impressive in the next season, where he scored 84 tackle points in 20 games. One of his most memorable achievements was earning 16 tackle points in a single match. Shadlou’s talents extend beyond defense he has also excelled in raiding, with two Super 10s against India in international games. His skills were highly valued, as shown by the Puneri Paltan’s massive ₹2.35 crore bid for him at the auction, highlighting his all-round abilities and impact on the game.
3. Jan Kun Lee
South Korea’s Jang Kun Lee holds the record for the most raid points scored by a foreign player in PKL history, with 472 raid points and 25 tackle points. Since his debut in Season 1, Lee has been a standout performer. Known for his agility, speed, and skill in scoring bonus points, he became a key player for the Bengal Warriors. His ability to lead in critical moments helped secure many wins, leading the team to keep him for several seasons. In Season 7, Lee joined the Patna Pirates, where he continued to excel in raiding and make a significant impact.
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2. Abozar Mighani
Iranian player Abozar Mighani, a right-corner defender, made a big impact when he joined the Gujarat Giants in Season 5. In his debut season, he earned 65 tackle points, helping his team reach the finals. Mighani formed a strong defensive pair with Fazel Atrachali, making them a tough duo. In 89 PKL matches, Abozar accumulated 205 tackle points, proving himself as one of the top foreign defenders in the league.
1. Muhammad Esmail Nabibakhsh
Mohammad Esmail Nabibakhsh, the captain of the Bengal Warriors who won Season 7, is known for his versatile skills as an all-rounder. Although he is mainly recognized for his raiding, he also proved to be a strong defender when needed. During the championship season, he scored 122 points and played a key role in the finals, including a standout Super 10 performance. In his Pro Kabaddi career, Nabibakhsh has earned 266 points. Even though he faced challenges with Puneri Paltan last season, his smart play and well-rounded abilities secured him a place with the Gujarat Giants for the 10th season.
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