The Pro Kabaddi League is about to go international, a decade after its inception in 2014, India's second-most watched franchise league, PKL, is set to breathe air beyond the boundaries of the country, for the very first time. Kabaddi has turned into a world-renowned sport over the last decade.
While India and Iran are two of the biggest giants in the sport, PKL aims to integrate as many countries into the mix. One huge step in that direction is the setting up of not one, but two exhibition matches in Australia, come the end of the year.
The league and the broadcasters - Disney Star - accepted the proposal of the Australian state of Victoria, to host an exhibition match of kabaddi involving the biggest PKL stars. The opposition Australian team will comprise recently retired Australian Football League (AFL) stars.
Here is how Indian fans can watch the Pro Kabaddi League's global event, PKL 'Melbourne Raid' from the comfort of their homes in India.
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What is 'Melbourne Raid' by Pro Kabaddi League?
'Melbourne Raid' is a two-match event hosted by the Victorian government to promote and foster the Kabaddi scenario in Australia. The Oz nation tasted the kabaddi experience at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup held in Ahmedabad. Australia's involvement in the sport has been minimal, ever since.
The state government chose Kabaddi as a medium to promote their 'Visit Victoria' tourism campaign. The two exhibition matches will catch the eyes of all fans. While the first match will interest the match-going locals in Australia, the Indian fans will have all their eyes set on the second game.
Which exhibition games will be played under the 'Melbourne Raid'?
The first game will be played between ex-AFL stars and the active players in the Pro Kabaddi League 2024.
The second exhibition game will be played where the former PKL players take on the current lot of PKL stars, as two generations of Indian kabaddi clash horns against each other.
MORE: How popular is PKL? | Fixtures | Complete Squads
Where will the PKL 'Melbourne Raid' event be held?
The global kabaddi event, PKL 'Melbourne Raid', will be hosted at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne - the capital city of Victoria.
When will the PKL 'Melbourne Raid' event be held?
The PKL 'Melbourne Raid' is scheduled for December 28, 2024. The match will be played one day before the PKL season 11 final on December 29.
It is also scheduled in tandem with the Boxing Day Test at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India and Australia cricket teams will be playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the same day. The kabaddi exhibition game will be played after the stumps on day three of the iconic Test.
MORE: How to watch PKL 11 in India?
How to watch PKL 'Melbourne Raid' in India?
| Event | Telecast | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| PKL 'Melbourne Raid' | Star Sports Network | Disney+ Hotstar |
Which ex-AFL stars are playing Kabaddi?
- Campbell Brown (coach)
- Josh P. Kennedy (captain)
- Dyson Heppell
- Marc Murphy
- Dan Hannebery
- Michael Hibberd
- Trent McKenzie
- Liam Shiels
You can bet on your favourite PKL 11 teams here!
