PKL organiser Mashal Sports, a Star India-controlled company, is working with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) to launch the women’s league.
“We are 100% interested in owning a team in the women’s kabaddi league,” Screwvala told ET. Mashal Sports, Screwvala said, has not disclosed the process it would follow in awarding the teams for the women’s league.
“I would assume that the present 12 team owners would be given the first look, but they haven’t told us anything formally,” he added.
Screwvala already owns the U Mumba team in the PKL, which is in its 10th year. U Mumba has also appointed Suhail Chandhok as the new CEO. He replaces Supratik Sen, who has stepped down from his position.
Chandhok said the calibre of women kabaddi players in the country is very high. “There is no dearth of high-quality kabaddi players in the country. I think it’s (women’s kabaddi league) a fantastic initiative should it happen,” he noted.
Screwvala, who is also the founder of Unilazer Ventures, said the launch of a women’s kabaddi league will ensure more visibility for the sport.”Women’s kabaddi league is a good idea. Because if that goes on for another two months, that’s another two months of presence (for kabaddi). So, you will have four months of the sport,” he added.
He noted that PKL lasts for two months after which there is not much kabaddi action happening either on ground or on air. He believes that the franchises should also take the lead in ensuring that kabaddi as a sport gets adequate exposure.
While terming PKL as a commercially successful property, Screwvala said kabaddi as a sport has come a long way due to the league. “It started as a popular sport from day one, so from that perspective, revenue has always been positive,” he added.
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