Former AFL stars sounded out to play in Kabaddi showcase match in Melbourne

Former AFL players are being sounded out to play in a special showcase match of India’s second-most popular sport, Kabaddi, in Melbourne. See who’s been invited to play.

A raft of former AFL stars are being sounded out to play in a Kabaddi showcase match.

A raft of former AFL stars are being sounded out to play in the December showcase of one of India’s most popular sports, Kabaddi.

It’s believed Campbell Brown will coach a side while other big names set to be recruited include former Swan Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery, Joel Selwood, Trent Cotchin and Marc Murphy.

It’s believed Campbell Brown will coach a Kabaddi side. Picture: Sam Tabone

Kabaddi is a combative sport, with seven players on each side and the core idea of the game is to score points by raiding into the opponent’s court and touching as many defence players as possible without getting caught — essentially a mix of rugby and wrestling.

Kabaddi is considered to be the second-most popular sport in India behind cricket.

The superstar exhibition match between Australia and India is likely to take place on December 28 at Margaret Court Arena, which coincides with cricket’s Boxing Day Test at the MCG and a huge international crowd.

It’s expected to be televised to a viewing audience of up to 300 million.

Jacinta Allan on tour in India. Picture: Supplied

In September, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced in Delhi that the Victorian Government would partner with the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) to bring a fixture to Melbourne to further develop sporting, cultural, tourism and economic ties between Victoria and India.

Former Channel 7 boss Lewis Martin is working on it behind the scenes.

The PKL has a huge following including Bollywood stars who own teams and is considered to be the second-most popular sport in India behind cricket.