The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has transformed kabaddi from a rural sport into a glamorous, financially rewarding professional league. With massive broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and growing fan engagement, player salaries have surged significantly. In this updated feature, we explore the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League history, highlighting their earnings, achievements, and professional journeys.
The Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League list reflects not just auction prices but also consistent performances, international medals, and brand value. Let’s take a closer look at the stars who made kabaddi a lucrative career.
10) Shahbeer Bapu Shaffudheen
Shahbeer Bapu Shaffudheen, popularly known as Shabeer Bapu, represented U Mumba in the inaugural PKL season. Hailing from Kerala, he made headlines with 61 raid points in Season 1.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | U Mumba |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹10.60 Lakhs |
| Season | PKL 2014 |
| Key Achievement | 61 Raid Points, 2 Best Raider Awards |
Shabeer’s performance in the debut season places him among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League pioneers.
9) Wazir Singh
An accomplished international player, Wazir Singh won Gold at the 2005 Asian Championship and Silver at the 2011 South Asian Beach Games.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Pune |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹10.60 Lakhs |
| Major Achievement | Asian Championship Gold Medal |
| Profession | CISF Sub-Inspector |
His achievements earned him recognition among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League list.
8) Jasmer Singh
Representing Dabang Delhi, Jasmer Singh balanced his police career with professional kabaddi, showcasing remarkable dedication.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Dabang Delhi |
| Role | Defender |
| Salary | ₹11.20 Lakhs |
| National Debut | 2005 |
| Profession | Police Inspector |
His commitment secures his place among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League elite.
7) Navneet Gautam
Navneet Gautam, a Jaipur Pink Panthers stalwart, is a decorated defender with multiple Asian Games gold medals.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Jaipur Pink Panthers |
| Role | Defender |
| Salary | ₹11.20 Lakhs |
| Asian Games | Gold (2006, 2010, 2014) |
| World Cup | Gold Medalist |
Navneet’s decorated career firmly places him in the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League rankings.
6) Gurpreet Singh
Nicknamed “The Wall,” Gurpreet Singh is known for his defensive solidity and experience spanning over 16 years.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Bengaluru Bulls |
| Role | Defender |
| Salary | ₹11.80 Lakhs |
| Experience | 16+ Years |
| Profession | Punjab Police |
His seniority and achievements justify his presence in the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League list.
5) Surjeet Singh
The Haryana-born raider earned international recognition after winning Gold at the 2013 Asian Indoor Games.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Bengal Warriors |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹12.00 Lakhs |
| Major Achievement | Asian Indoor Games Gold |
| Affiliation | Indian Navy |
Surjeet Singh stands tall among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League stars.
4) Ajay Thakur
Ajay Thakur is one of PKL’s fastest raiders and a key member of India’s 2014 Asian Games gold-winning squad.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Bengaluru Bulls |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹12.20 Lakhs |
| Experience | 14+ Years |
| Asian Games | Gold Medal (2014) |
His explosive raids cement his spot in the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League rankings.
3) Surjeet Narwal
Born in 1990, Surjeet Narwal became one of Dabang Delhi’s most valuable raiders.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Dabang Delhi |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹12.20 Lakhs |
| Year of Birth | 1990 |
| Reputation | Fearless Raider |
His growing dominance earned him a place among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League.
2) Deepak Niwas Hooda
Deepak Niwas Hooda was signed by Telugu Titans after a gold-medal-winning national performance.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Telugu Titans |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹12.60 Lakhs |
| Major Achievement | Senior Nationals Gold |
| Auction Year | 2014 |
His strong all-round skills make him one of the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League leaders.
1) Rakesh Kumar
Two-time Asian Games gold medalist Rakesh Kumar topped the earnings chart when Jaipur Pink Panthers purchased him for ₹12.80 lakhs.
Player Profile Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Jaipur Pink Panthers |
| Role | Raider |
| Salary | ₹12.80 Lakhs |
| Asian Games | Gold (2006, 2010) |
| Profession | Northern Railways Employee |
Rakesh Kumar leads the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League rankings, symbolizing kabaddi’s financial rise.
Final Thoughts
The journey of the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League demonstrates dedication, resilience, and sporting excellence. From Shahbeer Bapu’s breakout performance to Rakesh Kumar’s leadership, each athlete has played a crucial role in PKL’s success story. As the league continues to expand, new stars may break into the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League list. However, these pioneers will always be remembered as the early faces of kabaddi’s financial revolution. The Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League stand as proof that talent and hard work can turn passion into prosperity in the world of professional kabaddi.
FAQs
1. Who is the highest-paid player among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League?
Rakesh Kumar tops the list with a salary of ₹12.80 lakhs, making him the highest-paid player among the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League featured in this ranking.
2. How are players ranked in the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League list?
Players are ranked based on their PKL auction salaries, international achievements, consistency, and overall contribution to the league’s popularity and success.
3. Does international performance impact earnings in the Top 10 Richest Players of Pro Kabaddi League?
Yes, strong performances in events like the Asian Games, World Cup, and National Championships significantly boost a player’s market value and PKL auction price.
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