The countdown of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League 2019 (PKL 2019) has started and all the fans are eager to witness the exciting clash between the twelve teams. VIVO PKL 2019 will start from July 20, 2019 and will be played in twelve different legs. Along with the Indian players, international players have also become a very crucial part of PKL tournaments. This was evident with the huge amount which was spent to buy international players during the PKL 2019 auction. PKL 2019 Time Table: Teams, Date and Match Timings, Venues, Online Stream & TV Telecast Details of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League. 

Some Iranian and Korean players have escalated the standard of PKL leagues with their astonishing raiding and tackling skills. These players have also become poster boys of some franchises and they are always backed by their owners during auctions. As the thrilling competition of PKL 2019 starts soon, we take a look at some international players who worth watching for. Kabaddi: World 7 Beat India 7 in All-Star Match Ahead of PKL 2019. 

Meraj Sheykh

Meraj Sheykh, who played for Dabang Delhi in PKL 2018, is a dangerous all-rounder one can look for. The Iranian player will again play for the same franchise in PKL 2019. He became the first foreign player to lead PKL team after he was selected to lead Telugu Titans in the second half of PKL season 2. Sheikh is the most successful all-rounder in PKL leagues so far. His signature move- the Scorpion Kick- gives an insight into his raiding tactics. In PKL 2018, the Iranian star scored 94 raid points.

Fazel Atrachali

The Iranian defender became the poster boy of U Mumba after he was promoted as the captain of the team in season 6. He is one of the most successful foreign players in the history of Pro Kabaddi Leagues. The Iranian star defender took 83 tackle points in PKL 2018 which consisted of six High 5s and three Super Tackles. Atrachali will again play for U Mumba in PKL 2019.

Jang Kun Lee

The South Korean raider Jang Kun Lee is another popular foreign player in PKL 2019. Lee has been one of the most consistent players in PKL tournament and has been always retained by Bengal Warriors since season 1 of PKL. With his martial arts techniques clubbed with Kabaddi skills while raiding, he is one of the most brilliant raiders to look out for. In PKL 2018, he took 79 raid points. He will again represent Bengal Warriors in PKL 2019.

Abolfazl Maghsoudlou

Abolfazl Maghsoudlou played for U Mumba in PKL 2018 and will play for Gujarat Fortunegiants in PKL 2019. The Iranian raider is a lethal player with his flexible and quick raiding moves. Running hand touch is his key strength. Although he took only 25 raid points in PKL 2018, he was a key player for U Mumba.

Dong Geon Lee

Dong Geon Lee is another PKL player of Korean origin who has gained limelight in just few seasons. He made his debut in PKL 2017 and played for runner-up Gujarat Fortuneginants in PKL 2018. Although he earned only 31 raid points in 10 matches in PKL 2018, he bagged super 10 in a match, showcasing his might in the sport of Kabaddi.

Other than these five players, some other foreign players are also going to be part of PKL 2019. Some uncapped players have also bagged huge amount in PKL 2019 auctions. Foreign players make up for a crucial part of PKL leagues as their unison with Indian players increase the strength of a particular team.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2019 06:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).