Kabaddi Champions League Season 2: Devank, Ashu among players retained by five franchises

Devank (left) was the most expensive player in the previous KCL season, and Bhiwani Bulls secured his services with a winning bid of Rs 19.2 lakh. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Previous season’s most expensive buy Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik were among the 10 players retained by the five franchises of the Kabaddi Champions League ahead of the event’s second edition.

The retained players will form the core of the five squads, and the teams will now look forward to the October 17 auction to fill the remaining positions.

Bhiwani Bulls have retained Devank Dalal and Sourav Sanjay, while Hisar Heroes will continue with Ashu Malik.

Karnal Kings have retained Akshit Dhull and Harsh Vedpal. Panipat Panthers have retained Narender Kandola and Vishal Narwal.

Gurugram Gurus will enter the new season with Rahul Setpal, Mandeep Kumar and Sahil Jagveer.

Devank was the most expensive player in the previous KCL season, and Bhiwani Bulls secured his services with a winning bid of Rs 19.2 lakh.

Devank said he was pleased to continue with Bhiwani Bulls.

“Being retained by Bhiwani Bulls for Season 2 is a matter of pride and motivation for me. I am grateful to the franchise for the trust it has shown in me and will continue to work hard and contribute to the team’s success,” he said.

KCL Chairman Balwan Singh said the retention would help teams maintain continuity.

“Player retention is an important step towards building strong, balanced and competitive teams for Season 2. The confidence shown by franchises in their retained players reflects the importance of consistency and team combinations in kabaddi,” Singh said.

Franchise-wise Player Retentions

1. Karnal Kings: Akshit Dhull, Harsh Vedpal

2. Bhiwani Bulls: Devank Dalal, Sourav Sanjay

3. Hisar Heroes: Ashu Malik

4. Panipat Panthers: Narender Kandola, Vishal Narwal

5. Gurugram Gurus: Rahul Setpal, Mandeep Kumar, Sahil Jagveer