Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Fazel Atrachali to Mohammad Nabibakhsh - Top 5 overseas players of all time in PKL

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has emerged as one of India's most popular sports leagues, drawing a massive fanbase each season.

While Indian talents have been the backbone of the league's success, the inclusion of foreign players has added a global dimension to PKL, making it a more competitive and diverse tournament.

These international stars have played pivotal roles in shaping the league's narrative, bringing a unique style and flair to the mat. Here's a look at the top five foreign players who have left an indelible mark on PKL.

Top 5 overseas players in PKL History

1. Fazel Atrachali: Iran's veteran is undoubtedly the finest defender PKL has ever seen. With a whopping 486 tackle points and 29 High Fives, Fazel has set the bar high for defenders across all seasons.

His performances for U Mumba and Patna Pirates were instrumental in their championship victories. Later, as captain, he led Gujarat Giants to the finals in Season 5. Fazel's leadership also shone brightly when he guided Gujarat to the playoffs in Season 10.

Atrachali's performances have been notable beyond PKL as well, having captained Iran to a historic gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games. Known for his agility and tactical acumen, he remains one of the most respected and feared defenders in the league's history.

2. Jang Kun Lee: The South Korean is the most prolific foreign raider in PKL history. With 471 raid points and 25 tackle points to his name, his performances for Bengal Warriorz over multiple seasons have been remarkable.

Lee's agility, speed, and his uncanny ability to snatch bonuses in tight situations made him one of Bengal's most dependable raiders. He switched to Patna Pirates in Season 7 but could not find much success.

Having been away from PKL for three seasons, Lee is now poised for a highly anticipated return in Season 11, where he will aim to pick up where he left off.

3. Meraj Sheykh: Meraj stands as the best all-rounder among foreign players in PKL's history. Known for his unique "Scorpion Kick" move, Meraj's blend of raiding and tackling skills made him a vital asset for Dabang Delhi.

With a total of 404 points from 99 games, including 350 raid points and 54 tackle points, Meraj's versatility is unmatched. His sharp reflexes and ability to perform under pressure earned him admiration across the league. Though he last played in Season 7, his influence and style still resonate with PKL fans.

4. Mohammadreza Shadlou: Chiyaneh burst onto the PKL scene in Season 8 and quickly became one of the league's best defenders. In his debut season, he notched 89 tackle points and 10 High Fives in just 24 matches.

His exceptional defensive skills were further highlighted in Season 9 when he racked up 84 tackle points in 20 games. One of his most remarkable feats came when he achieved 16 tackle points in a single game.

Shadlou's ability to contribute offensively is also noteworthy, with two Super 10s against India in international tournaments. In Season 10, he recorded 126 points, including 99 tackle points, playing a crucial role in Puneri Paltan's title-winning campaign.

5. Mohammad Nabibakhsh: The Iranian made an immediate impact in his debut season, helping Bengal Warriorz lift the PKL title in Season 7. Known for his versatility, Nabibakhsh scored 122 points in that title-winning season, including a crucial Super 10 in the final.

His all-round prowess has been on full display, with 215 raid points and 79 tackle points across his PKL career. Though his stint with Puneri Paltan in Season 9 faced challenges, Nabibakhsh remains a formidable player.

Gujarat Giants has picked him up for Season 10 to bolster their roster. His ability to adapt and strategize in tight situations has earned him a well-deserved spot among PKL's foreign greats.