A League Of Their Own

The Indian Premier League's phenomenal success has spurred a wave of franchise-based leagues across various sports in India. While some like the Pro Kabaddi League have emerged as a standout triumph, others are still navigating their path to stability, yet the outlook remains promising

- By Ravi Raj

Launched in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) not only revolutionised cricket but also set a benchmark for other athletic pursuits in India. Entirely funded by private investment, the IPL's pioneering framework for organising a tournament has proven that a commercially driven, professionally run sports league can achieve remarkable success. The immense success of the league has catalysed the emergence of professional leagues across various sports in India. For instance, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) turned a sport that every one of us has played at one point into a marketable commodity. Thanks to the league's booming success, Kabaddi is no longer a sport restricted to the hinterland, but a global phenomenon. Other sports are also having their moments, with sports like volleyball and table tennis getting prime time coverage.

PRO KABADDI LEAGUE

Started In: 2014 by Mashal Sports

Celebrity Investors: Abhishek Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Ronnie Screwvala

Current Teams: Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Bengal Warriorz, U Mumba, Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Telugu Titans, Haryana Steelers, Tamil Thalaivas, UP Yoddhas, Gujarat Giants