The Pro Kabaddi League will go where "no league," not even the Indian Premier League, "has been before," according to Amit Kamath of the HINDUSTAN TIMES. It will hold two seasons each year in a move that is "sure to pique the interest of other leagues around the country." Currently in its third season, the PKL will have its "fourth edition in July-August after the current season ends on March 5." While PKL franchise owners admit that the concept will "add to their annual expenditure, they are confident it will be a hit." For one, two seasons a year will mean that the sport is on TV for a prolonged period, "something which will build fan loyalty, feel franchise owners." Bengal Warriors CEO Sandip Tarkas said, "If you’re a cricket fan, you get to see the sport 12 months a year. Same is with tennis and football. But if you’re a kabaddi fan, you get to watch it only for five weeks a year. That’s not enough." Many have wondered whether the two-season format would lead to overkill, but Bengaluru Bulls Owner Uday Sihn Wala "brushes aside such concerns." Wala said, "Cricket sells every time it is on air. When India play Australia, it sells. Right after that, you do an IPL, it sells. Nobody questions when cricket is sold 10 times a year. Similarly, kabaddi will also sell." The two seasons will also "make kabbadi easier to market, the franchises believe." Wala: "This two-season format will be more beneficial because it actually gives a planned frequency through the year for marketing activities. It’s easier to work out a plan" (HINDUSTAN TIMES, 2/22).
