Pro Kabaddi League Season 9: Date of auction announced 

According to the reports, the auction will take place on August 5-6 this year. For the auction, the players: the overseas players, the newcomers and the domestic players, will be divided into four categories: A, B, C and D. The players will be further divided into three categories, each category into defenders and raiders and all-rounders. The auction will be reportedly held in Mumbai. 

Given that last season saw many new, talented, brilliant overseas players, it will be fascinating to see this year's auction. "Every season has witnessed the emergence of new talented players, and I am certain that there are a lot of surprises in store for us this year as well," said Anupam Goswami, League Commission. 

The total salary pool available to each team is 4.4 Crores, and the full player's pool has also been increased to include more than 500 players in the entire season. Twelve teams in total will be competing in the next season: Dabang Delhi KC, Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriors, Bengaluru Bulls, Jaipur Pink Panthers, UP Yoddha, Haryana Steelers, Gujarat Giants, Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas and U Mumba.

As always, the players who are not retained by their parent franchise will be chosen by other teams in the upcoming auction. The teams can keep some players who have played with them in the last season. Each time is permitted to retain a maximum of 6 players under the Elite Retained Players category and up to 4 players under the New Young Players category. 

"The VIVO Pro Kabaddi Player Auction is a celebration of Kabaddi players across the world. Some of our kabaddi players have caught the attention of fans throughout eight seasons and they are ready to up the ante in Season 9. Numerous talented players have emerged over the years and I look forward to seeing some new talents being given opportunities in this Player Auction," said Supratik Sen, the CEO of U Mumba.