Eight city based franchises will be vying for top honours when recently-formed New Kabaddi Federation of India (NKFI)'s inaugural Indo International Premier Kabaddi League begins from May 13.
With star cricketer Virender Sehwag backing the project, there will be 144 Indian and 16 foreign players fighting it out for the Bangalore Rhinos, Chennai Challengers, Diler Delhi, Telegu Bulls, Pune Pride, Haryana Heroes, Mumbai Che Raje and Rajasthan Rajputs.
All players will get a share of 20 percent of the revenue generated besides assured salaries and prize money.
The only issue is that NKFI is not recognised by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) but they have applied for affiliation with the parent body. As long as they don't get affiliation, players in this league won't get to represent India.
The league will be broadcast on DSPORT (English) MTV & MTV HD+ (Hindi) DDSport ( Hindi) as well as several regional networks.
The opening phase of the IPKL will feature 20 matches and will be played at Pune's Balewadi stadium between May 13 and 21 while 17 games of the second phase will take place in Mysore's Chamundai Vihar stadium from May 24 to 29.
The final phase in Bengaluru beginning June 1 will have seven games, with the grand finale scheduled at the Kanteerava stadium on June 4.