InsideSport profiles a player who has played in PKL for many years.
Pro Kabaddi League 2023, is one of the top Kabaddi leagues not only in India, but around the world. The PKL, which is a feeder for the Indian National Team, has also seen some international players make a name.
Since its inception, the league has been populated by Iranians. Over the years, players from Bangladesh as well as South Korea, Kenya and Japan have been a part of these teams. InsideSport looks at some of the players who have played for the league from different countries.
Fazel Atrachali – Iran
Fazel Atrachali, the best foreigner in the league’s history. He has been in the league since its second edition in 2015. The Iranian has a huge fan-following and with his impressive performances in the league, duly earned the nickname ‘Sultan’.
He is the league’s top defedert. Fazel is a veteran captain who was the second most expensive foreigner at the latest auction. Gujarat Giants purchased him for 2 crores in the PKL Auction 2023.
Also Read: PKL Fazel Atrachali is the most successful defender in PKL
Jan Kun Lee – South Korea
Jang Kun Lee from South Korea has been with the league since its inception. The raider made their debut with Bengal Warriors.
He was a member of the Warriors for the first six editions and consistently performed in the raiding section. He became the first raider from outside of Malaysia to reach 400 raid points.
In 2019, he played 16 matches for Patna Pirates, and accumulated 60 raid points. He has not played in the league since the next season.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi League – Check out the Captains of the inaugural edition PKL
Victor Obiero – Kenya
Victor Obiero made a debut in the Pro Kabaddi League 2018 He played three matches with the Tamil Thalaivas, earning six raid points.
He played in five matches and scored 12 raid points for the team the following season. Later, he was released by the franchise. In 2021, he became a part of Puneri Paltan. In that season, he played only one game.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi Flashback – Did you know that two Pakistani army men once played in the PKL?
Zia Ur Rehman – Bangladesh
Zia Ur Rehman, a Bangladeshi, played in the Pro Kabaddi League on a few occasions. The defender played for Puneri Paltan and Bengal Warriors respectively in 2017 and 2018.
He played 34 matches in both seasons and has 32 tackle points.