AFL stars to swap sports for Melbourne’s Kabaddi debut
AFL stars are swapping the footy field for the Kabaddi mat in Melbourne’s newest sporting spectacle set to unfold after stumps on Day 3 of the Boxing Day test.
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Melbourne sports fans are in for a double-header treat with AFL greats trading footballs for Kabaddi mats.
The Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid will make its Australian debut at John Cain Arena on December 28 — following stumps on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test — giving an unique opportunity to witness cricket and Kabaddi in one day within the same precinct.
The Aussie Raiders, led by premiership heroes Josh Kennedy and Campbell Brown, will take on Indian Kabaddi legends in a thrilling and fast-paced showdown, promising a sporting spectacle like no other.
Kabaddi — a fast-paced contact sport — blends elements of wrestling and tag and is known for its high energy and strategic gameplay.
Played between two teams of seven, the game unfolds over 40 minutes of thrilling “raid and defence” action.
Players score points by raiding the opponent’s side, with the challenge of tagging as many defenders as possible within a tense 30-second window.
The Australian-first Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid will feature two thrilling match-ups.
The PKL All Star Mavericks will face off against the PKL All Star Masters, followed by a combined Indian team taking on the Aussie Raiders — a squad of former AFL stars.
The Aussie Raiders, coached by AFL premiership hero Campbell Brown and captained by Josh Kennedy, will be joined by Dan Hannebery, Marc Murphy, Michael Hibberd, Dyson Heppell, Brett Deledio, Trent McKenzie, Liam Shiels and Billy Gowers.
A Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid spokesman said the AFL players were bringing their trademark athleticism to the Kabaddi mat.
“Known for their speed, agility, and fierce competitiveness on the AFL field, these athletes are ready to bring their elite athleticism to the Kabaddi mat,” he said.
Leading the PKL All Star Mavericks is Ajay Thakur, one of Kabaddi’s biggest stars, with coaching by E. Bhaskaran.
The team features top players like Pardeep Narwal, Deepak Hooda, and Rakesh, alongside elite defenders Nitesh Kumar and Nitin Rawal.
Meanwhile, the PKL All Star Masters are led by Kabaddi legend Anup Kumar, a former Indian national team captain, and include experienced players Rakesh Kumar, Sukesh Hegde, and Maninder Singh, all veterans of the Pro Kabaddi League.
The action kicks off at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 28 at the John Cain Arena.
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