As the anticipation builds for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction scheduled for May 31 and June 1, the league has officially unveiled the list of retained players across three key categories: Elite Retained Players (ERP), Retained Young Players (RYP), and New Young Players (NYP).
While most franchises have opted to hold on to their core performers, the upcoming auction promises to be a crucial opportunity for teams to reinforce their squads with new talent and experienced stars.
A total of 83 players have been retained this season, 25 under the ERP category, 23 as RYPs, and 35 under the NYP list. These players form the backbone of their respective teams and are expected to play pivotal roles once again in the upcoming campaign.
Some of the prominent names retained include Sunil Kumar and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh by U Mumba, Jaideep Dahiya by Haryana Steelers, and Surender Gill by UP Yoddhas. Puneri Paltan has also retained their dynamic duo of Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat, ensuring continuity in their young and energetic squad.
Despite the significant number of retentions, the spotlight now shifts to the mega auction, where over 500 players, both domestic and international, will be available for selection. The auction pool features several high-profile names, including Indian stars Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Ashu Malik, and Devank Dalal, the top raider of Season 11. International heavyweights such as Iran’s Fazel Atrachali and Mohammadreza Shadloui will also be up for grabs, alongside PKL stalwarts Maninder Singh and Pardeep Narwal.
One of the most talked-about developments this season is the entry of Naveen Kumar into the auction for the first time. The PKL Season 8 champion and star raider of Dabang Delhi K.C. has amassed 1102 raid points across six seasons, a league record for most points by a player for a single team before entering the auction. His availability is expected to spark a bidding war among franchises looking to secure a marquee raider.
For the purposes of the auction, all players will be segmented into four categories, A, B, C, and D, with further classification based on their playing roles: All-Rounders, Defenders, and Raiders. The base prices for each category are set as follows:
- Category A: Rs 30 lakh
- Category B: Rs 20 lakh
- Category C: Rs 13 lakh
- Category D: Rs 9 lakh
Each franchise will operate with a total salary cap of Rs 5 crore, aiming to build the most balanced and competitive team possible within the allotted budget.
