PKL 12: List of all players likely to be released ahead of auction

The PKL 12 auction will be held on May 31 and June 1.

The much-awaited Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction is finally happening on May 31 and June 1. Fans are excited to see what happens with their favourite players and teams. As the auction approaches, the franchises are busy planning their strategies and deciding which players to retain and which to release.

Teams have already signed some New Young Players (NYP) and retained a few from last season. Now, the full list of retained and released players is expected to be announced soon. Any big-name players are expected to be released by their teams. While some decisions are based on performance or injury concerns, others are purely due to high price tags.

Last season’s best raider and defender, Devank Dalal and Mohammadreza Shadloui, are reportedly being released by Patna Pirates and Haryana Steelers.

Dabang Delhi might also part ways with their top raiders, Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar, but they can get them back in the auction using the Final Bid Match (FBM) card. Let’s take a look at the top players who are likely to be released ahead of the PKL season 12 auction:

Arjun Deshwal

Arjun Deshwal, the third-best raider of the 2024 season, is likely to be released by the Jaipur Pink Panthers. He scored 227 raid points in 23 matches and was retained for 1.28 crore last season.

Naveen Kumar

Naveen Kumar, the key player of Dabang Delhi, may also be released. Known as the “Naveen Express,” he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Last year, he was retained for just 37 lakhs.

Ashu Malik

The most shocking name on the list is Ashu Malik, who carried Delhi to the playoffs after Naveen’s injury. He was retained for ₹1.06 crore last season but is also expected to be released.

Devank Dalal

Last season’s best raider, Devank Dalal, who scored 301 raid points in 25 matches, might not continue with the Patna Pirates. His release would surprise many, given his outstanding form.

Pardeep Narwal

Pardeep Narwal is another big name on the list. Bengaluru Bulls might release him before the auction. He was bought for Rs 70 lakh last season, but his performance was not good, and his form has also been poor in recent years.

Sachin Tanwar

Sachin Tanwar, the most expensive player sold for Rs 2.15 crore last season, may be released by Tamil Thalaivas. He scored only 82 raid points in 17 matches and couldn’t justify his high price.

Pawan Sehrawat

Known as the Hi-Flyer, Pawan Sehrawat is also set to be released by Telugu Titans. His performance over the last two years and injury concerns could be the main reasons. He was retained using the FBM card for 1.725 crore.

Vijay Malik

Telugu Titans‘ star all-rounder Vijay Malik is expected to be released too. He scored 172 raid points last season and was the sixth-best raider. He was bought for 20 lakhs.

Guman Singh

Gujarat Giants‘ top raider may also be released. He scored 159 raid points last season and was bought for 1.97 crore. His high price could be affecting the team’s balance.

Mohammadreza Shadloui

Mohammadreza Shadloui, the most expensive player in PKL history (₹2.35 crore in season 10), was bought for ₹2.07 crore, expected to be released by Haryana Steelers.

Despite playing well, his price tag seems to be the reason for his release. A similar situation happened in Season 10 when Puneri Paltan let him go after paying 2.35 crore.

Shubham Shinde

Shubham Shinde played as a right corner for Patna Pirates, and is also likely to be released after scoring 58 points last season.

Manjeet Dahiya

U Mumba‘s tall raider Manjeet Dahiya had a poor performance last season. He failed to help the team in crucial matches. So hopefully he will be released.

Bharat Hooda

Another tall player who played for UP Yoddhas had a disappointing season with 102 raid points in 23 matches. He was bought for 1.30 crore and couldn’t live up to expectations.

Fazel Atrachali

The experienced Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali had an average season with Bengal Warriorz, scoring 59 points in 19 matches. Age and fitness concerns may lead to his release.

Maninder Singh

Bengal Warriorz’s star raider Maninder Singh, scored 102 points in 15 matches. He is also likely to be part of the auction pool.

Nitin Dhankar

Nitin scored 118 raid points in 14 matches for Bengal Warriorz, and is expected to be in the auction this year too.

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