'Pro Kabaddi League bug has bitten cricketers also'

Popular sports broadcaster and Mashal Sports managing director today said the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League bug has not only "bitten" all ages of people world over, but also international cricket players.
"The Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League bug has not only bitten all ages of people world over, but also international cricket players," he told PTI on the sidelines of an event pertaining to Pro Kabaddi League here.
Among celebrities who have been hooked by the league are Pakistan and Sri Lankan cricket players, including Mahela Jaywardene, Sharma, who also is the league promoter, said.
"One of my friends recently rang up Mahela for congratulating him after he announced his retirement from international cricket. He told my friend he is engaged with Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League," Sharma said.

"Jayawardene told my friend that the entire Pakistan and Sri Lankan team sit and watch the Kabaddi league every evening," Sharma said.
Sharma said a large number of people living in cities and towns are watching. It is also being watched in villages too, he said.

"There is one village in Haryana where, at the stroke of 7.30, the entire village is shut only to watch the kabaddi league. They watch it on a giant screen in the village. Such has been the craze for this Indian sport. This is very humbling," he said.
Sharma also said the organisers are very keen to start women Kabaddi also as told by actor and Jaipur Pink Panthers owner Abhishek Bachchan. "We have plans to start women's kabaddi. It must start and will start as soon as possible," he added.

"I don't think we should be greedy and start before it is time - I mean many things have to come together. We have to ensure there is television angle and eight committed and dedicated team owners - they must be sustainable and understand long-term commercial benefits," he said.