Fans of Kabaddi, prepare for some thrilling news! This is a historic moment for Bangladesh as ten of its players have been shortlisted for the PKL auction for the first time ever.
It’s a proud occasion for sports fans worldwide and a significant stride for Bangladesh in the kabaddi world.
Here are some ways that these growing talents are benefiting from this record-breaking entry.
Bangladesh Makes History with Record Entry in Pro Kabaddi League 2025 Auction
In a proud moment for Bangladeshi sports, the country has made its biggest-ever mark in the world of kabaddi by securing a record number of players in the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction.
A total of 10 talented Bangladeshi athletes have been shortlisted to go under the hammer at the PKL auction, which will be held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in India.
This is not just a number—it’s a major leap forward for a nation steadily gaining recognition in the international kabaddi scene. As the league gears up for its twelfth season, starting in August 2025, all eyes will be on the young kabaddi stars of Bangladesh who now have a golden opportunity to shine on a global stage.
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Who Are the Players Representing Bangladesh?
The Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation finalized and submitted the list of players ahead of the official deadline of May 20. According to the federation, this is the highest number of Bangladeshi players ever featured in a PKL auction, and the excitement is well deserved.
Here are the names of the shortlisted players:
- Mizanur Rahman
- Liton Ali
- Arif Rabbani
- Russell Hasan
- Rajib Ahmed
- Roman Hossain
- Dipayon Goldar
- Monirul Chowdhury
- Al Amin
- Shah Mohammad Shahan
Out of these ten, Mizanur Rahman, Liton Ali, and Arif Rabbani are expected to attract strong interest from franchises, thanks to their impressive performances in recent domestic and international matches.
What makes this more exciting is that Bangladesh is now second only to Iran in terms of the number of players being considered for the PKL auction. Even kabaddi regulars like Nepal, Kenya, and Thailand were surpassed by the nation.
This accomplishment is a testament to the rising stature of Bangladeshi kabaddi and the rising caliber of its players.
An Advancement for Kabaddi in Bangladesh
There were difficulties associated with this significant event. According to the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation, SM Newaz Shohag, it was not easy to get players released from various service teams in time for the submission. But with collective effort and determination, the federation managed to get it done.
Earlier in 2025, six Bangladeshi players also competed in Nepal’s Franchise Kabaddi League, giving them some valuable exposure before heading into the PKL auction. These recent experiences will only help the players gain confidence as they enter one of the world’s most competitive kabaddi leagues.
This is a huge breakthrough for a nation where kabaddi has long been neglected in favor of football and cricket. In addition to providing the athletes with the opportunity to play with world-class athletes, it also highlights Bangladeshi potential in a rapidly expanding sport.
