‘Kabaddi Rao’ explains rationale behind new rule changes in PKL

Who better than E Prasad Rao, the technical director of the Pro Kabaddi League since its inception in 2014, to explain the rationale behind the three new rule changes – lobby, matchday squad size and number of substitutions – that have been made for the ongoing ninth edition? This reporter sat down with ‘Kabaddi Rao’ in Bengaluru – host city of Pro Kabaddi 2022’s first leg – on Saturday for an exclusive interview.

EXCERPTS

On introducing new rules in the Pro Kabaddi League

Even before Pro Kabaddi came into existence (in 2014), the sport was played on mat and the bonus point rule was in place. But, Charu Sharma (one of the founders of Mashal Sports which organises the PKL) and his team felt that there was something missing. They wanted more thrill; they wanted it to be more exciting, competitive and presentable to the audience. So, we worked on the technical aspects and did a lot of research. We experimented with many rules in tournaments, including ‘Super Tackle’ and ‘Do or Die’ raid. Every rule was tested before it was introduced in Pro Kabaddi. After a few years, people started asking “what is next?” They did not want to see the same thing over and over again (laughs). Even Anupam Goswami (PKL league commissioner) wanted more excitement, so our think-tank got down to work. We worked on some rules, which we experimented with in academies. Rule changes bring more thrill into the sport.

On amending the controversial lobby rule

We found out that it was troubling us. In kabaddi, scoring even one point is difficult. When a raider kills himself [by entering the lobby without a touch], but then gets ‘x’ number of points… People were like “what rule is this?” In no sport, a man commits a mistake but gets points for it. Anupam was particular about it; he felt that it (sending off the defenders who follow the raider into the lobby) was not ‘fair play’. Then, we thought of bringing a change. Once the raider is ‘self out’, the raid is complete. The player(s) who follow(s) him will not be given out. There was an instance of it on the opening day of the PKL 9.

On increasing the size of the matchday squad to 14 (it was 12 earlier)

I would call it a historic change. Kabaddi is a body contact sport, so there are possibilities of injuries [during the course of the season]. Pro Kabaddi runs for a few months. Every team will have to face each other twice during the league stage. When the competition is high, every match becomes very important for the players. We wanted to give the coaches and teams a better opportunity to deliver their best. Now, every player in the ‘Starting Seven’ has a replacement lined up. The coaches are pretty happy with the move; they told me that it has changed the colour of the sport.

On increasing the number of substitutions to 7 from 5

After increasing the matchday squad size, we had to increase the number of substitutions. Otherwise, there would be no sense. Teams can now make a maximum of seven substitutions (besides one during half-time). In the last few seasons, many youngsters have been playing. It (rule change) will lead to more opportunities.

On whether seven is not too big a number

No coach will change all the players during a match. No one will take the ‘Starting Seven’ out and bring in a new set of players. But, they can do it if they want to.

On providing special permission to teams that are unable to include one mandatory overseas player in the matchday squad (Iranians will miss a few matches at the start of the season due to visa issues)

Every team’s matchday squad has 14 players. In that, one has to be a foreigner. Because of unforeseen circumstances, some teams are naming just 13 domestic (Indian) players in the matchday squad. The foreigner’s slot is left vacant.