Fazel first player to breach 1 crore mark in Pro Kabaddi League

"I am very happy as I will be coming back to my second home, Mumbai," said an elated Fazel through a telephonic conversation.

Six out of the 12 franchises were interested in roping in Fazel, a Category A defender in the overseas players, but it was U Mumbai which came up trumps finally.

"Strong defensive units help you win championships. Fazel is someone who has been with us earlier and we are quite happy to have him back," U Mumba owner Ronnie Screwvala said after picking him up for a record price. 

His Iranian compatriot Abozar Mohajermighani, who was the first to go under the hammer in the PKL 6 Auction, was another hot player in the auction. The right corner was sold to Telugu Titans for Rs 76 lakh. 

2017 finalist Gujarat Fortunegiants couldn't hold on to its overseas stars, Fazel and Abozar, as it couldn't afford to use the "Final Bid Match" option for such a high price. 

Bengal Warriors retained the services of South Korean Jang Kun Lee as it matched the final bid of Rs 33 lakh by Haryana Steelers. It strengthened its overseas department by obtaining Bangladeshi defender Ziaur Rahman for Rs 33.25 lakh, the third highest-paid foreign player in PKL 6. 

Tamil Thalaivas bought the South Korean duo of Chan Sik Park and Jae Min Lee for Rs 8 lakh each. Former Thalaivas raider Dong Geon Lee will now don the orange jersey of the Fortunegiants, after being picked for Rs 17.2 lakh.

Farhad Rahimi Milaghardan was initially sold to the Jaipur Pink Panthers but the final bid was matched by his former side Telugu Titans. Apart from Fazel, U Mumba added two other Iranians to its overseas contingent. Abolfazl Maghsodloumahali and Hadi Tajik were snapped up for Rs 21.25 lakh and Rs 11 lakh respectively. 

As expected, Iranians were in high demand as far as the overseas participants are concerned.