World Pickleball League Ready to Launch: The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, has successfully concluded its player draft in preparation for the inaugural edition of the tournament, set to start on January 24, 2025. A total of 75 contracted players participated in the draft, with 48 players selected to represent six teams. The league will feature players from 14 countries and will take place at the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai.
The WPBL Draft Process
For the first time in over 15 years, CCI has agreed to host a non-cricket sporting event, showcasing the significance of the WPBL. Players from 20 countries entered the draft, with the final list representing India, Japan, Spain, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, and more. The selected players include men and women, bringing a diverse range of skills and experiences to the league.
The six teams in the WPBL are Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Each team will feature a roster of eight players, including four men and four women, with a mandatory Indian player in each squad.
Expert Insights
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, expressed his happiness with the draft results.
“I am extremely happy with the way this player draft has unfolded. To ensure that the draft process was smooth, fair and transparent, we curated a special inhouse software that consisted of all the necessary information about the players. As an athlete, I understand how crucial it is for players to have a platform to showcase their skills and passion for the sport, especially with a sport like pickleball that is still in the nascent stage.
Charlotte Whitby-Coles, Head of Player Management, spoke about the diverse pool of players selected.
“The draft system allowed us to select players from a diverse pool, focusing on their skills, strengths, and unique abilities. Pickleball’s journey in India has been truly remarkable, with many of the country’s players emerging as some of the best in Asia. This league creates a powerful sense of pride and aspiration for Indian fans and players.”
League Format and Exciting Matches Ahead
The league format includes a round-robin stage where each team plays against all others, resulting in 15 matches. Each match will feature five games: men’s singles, women’s singles, doubles in each category, and mixed doubles.
The top four teams from the group stage will progress to the semi-finals and finals. Fans can look forward to 90 exciting matches during the entire duration of the league.
Future of Pickleball in India
The successful draft and the upcoming league reflect the growing popularity of pickleball in India. As the WPBL kicks off in January, it is set to showcase top international talent alongside India’s best players, creating an opportunity for fans to enjoy high-quality competition. The league’s unique format promises to engage viewers and further elevate the sport’s profile in India and beyond.
News in Brief: World Pickleball League Ready to Launch
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) has concluded its player draft, selecting 48 players from 14 countries for six teams, including Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Set to start on January 24, 2025, the league will feature 90 matches and showcase top international and Indian talent.
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