MUMBAI: There is nothing official about it. Yet. But SportzPower has it on good authority that the eighth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League will in due course be joining the ever-growing list of big sporting events across the globe that have had to be cancelled this year as a fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It bears noting that the development is one that should surprise no one. In fact, the first indication that PKL 8 would NOT have its “date with destiny” in 2020 was given over a month ago by Charu Sharma, co-founder of Mashal Sports, which owms and operates Pro Kabaddi. In an interview to Asianet Newsable, the renowned sports commentator mentioned that there was no point in being “desperate” to conduct the league as the safety aspect was more important than anything else during the coronavirus crisis.
“In a worst case scenario, if Pro Kabaddi League is not held this year, next year we will pick it up with renewed vigour. There is no point in being an early mover in this scenario, by taking a risk which can come back to haunt you.”
Sharma had noted then that the only scenario in which PKL could be held this year was if the COVID-19 situation improved “dramatically” in the country, while adding a rider that even after that, it would take at least two to three months to prepare to host the tournament.
Now about the coronavirus situation. The BEST case scenario for India to see a peak in COVID-19 cases is mid-September, Prof K Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India, had said last Saturday. Translated this means that 2020 is pretty much a write-off for most sports, more so contact sports like kabaddi.
What does Mashal Sports, in which Star India has a 74% controlling stake, have to say on the matter? SportzPower did reach out to the communications team at Disney-Star for an official statement, but till the time this report was filed, had received no reply. If one is forthcoming, this article will be updated accordingly.
For the record though, the only official statement that has been forthcoming is the one issued on June 25th, refuting reports that Mashal was in talks with the Sri Lanka Kabaddi Federation to hold this year’s event in the Emerald Isles some time in October.
To quote directly from the statement issued then: “The usual window for a season of Pro Kabaddi League is between July and October. This year, in face of the COVID-19 pandemic we continue to review the situation and best options for a safe and secure opportunity for the sport, fans, players and other stakeholders. The health and safety of our players and other participants is the paramount and key consideration in our decision, along with complete compliance to official policy and guidelines.
“We are also not in discussions with the Sri Lanka Kabaddi Federation to hold Season VIII in Sri Lanka. Anything that we finalize will be done only after the due consultation with the authorities, AKFI, PKL Teams, and other relevant stakeholders.”
Now as already mentioned, there has been no official word forthcoming from Mashal but conversations SportzPower has had with top officials from more than one franchise, as well as top sources close to the developments, is that Mashal / Star Sports will take 2020 as a break year for the league, and have its next edition in 2021 instead.
Ever since its inception in 2014, the Pro Kabaddi League has led to a massive facelift of the game of kabaddi, unearthing some top talents within the country. The league has gained immense popularity among fans in the seven seasons of PKL. The seventh season of the league was won by Bengal Warriors, who defeated Dabang Delhi K.C. to claim their maiden title.
So when might PKL 8 be held finally? Taking the cues provided by Sharma’s interview to Asianet Newsable and the most recent official statement issued by Mashal, SportzPower’s bet is July 2021 or thereabouts.
