Players from Pakistan to be seen in action in Pro kabaddi in Kolkata

Three Pakistan players who have already reached the country for the inaugural Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, would make their first appearance in the IPL-style tournament when the caravan moves to Kolkata tomorrow, according to an Indian kabaddi Federation official. "They were here but were not fielded on Monday as we did not want to take any risk of the tournament seeing any untoward incident like protest. On Tuesday also no player will be seen in action. They will be seen in action in Kolkata from Wednesday," the official said here today.

The official was clearly referring to likely protests from parties such as Shiv Sena which has constantly opposed Pakistan players from taking part in Indian sports arena, in general, and Maharashtra, in particular. The three Pakistan players who have been signed up by two franchises are Waseem Sajjad (Patna Pirates), Wajid Ali and Atif Waheed (both Telegu Titans). All three are all-rounders. Sajjad and Ali are army men while Waheed is employed with the Pakistan government. Today is the last day of the kabaddi action at the NSCI Stadium here with the match between U Mumba and Patna Pirates, the seventh game in the 60-game event.