PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The KPL – set to be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from February 28 to March 2 – will be an opportunity for Pakistan players to show their mettle against the world champions at a neutral venue, according to Jutt.
“We’ve set our sights on defeating India in the KPL because we want revenge after defeat in the Kabaddi World Cup final,” Jutt told The Express Tribune. “Players from both teams have a great opportunity to show who is better at a neutral venue where there will be no chance of bias during the games. There will be fair play, which means the best team will win.”
Jutt, a former player himself, said the KPL will be a great spectacle for Kabaddi fans and will go a long way in playing an important role in the promotion of the sport. He stressed that an extravagant event would only help in increasing an ever growing fan base.
He added that other sports such as cricket and football had more stature at this point, resulting in players being involved in bigger tournaments, which has helped them to get recognition and earn a substantial amount of money.
“Our best wishes are with the organisers of the KPL because this could prove to be a turning point for the game of Kabaddi. More sponsors will come in to support us, and I believe after this event, it would help players to earn a respectable amount,” explained Jutt.
The official said that Pakistan will leave on February 26, with the team being announced a week before its departure. He claimed that some new faces could be given a chance to showcase their talent in the upcoming competition.
Jutt also mentioned that there would not be any changes to the captaincy.
“We believe that our skipper Musharraf Javed has done a pretty good job and thus, we don’t see any point in opting for a different leader.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2013.
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