The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has revolutionized the ancient Indian sport of kabaddi, turning it into a high-octane professional spectacle that rivals the biggest leagues in the country. As fans eagerly await the clash of titans on the mat, Season 12 promises to deliver even more intensity, strategy, and unforgettable moments. Organized by Mashal Sports under the aegis of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), PKL Season 12 kicked off on August 29, 2025, with the season opener featuring a southern derby between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. This marks the beginning of a two-month extravaganza spanning multiple cities, where 12 fierce franchises battle for glory in a format designed to keep the excitement alive until the final whistle.
Since its inception in 2014, PKL has grown exponentially, becoming the second most-watched sports league in India after the IPL. With Mashal Sports, co-founded by Anand Mahindra and Charu Sharma in collaboration with Star Sports, at the helm, the league has not only elevated kabaddi’s profile but also produced stars who have gone on to represent India on the international stage. Season 12 builds on this legacy, introducing tweaks to the format and featuring squads bolstered by a record-breaking auction, setting the stage for what could be the most competitive edition yet.
The Road to Season 12: A Record-Breaking Player Auction
The buildup to PKL Season 12 was dominated by the player auction held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, where over 500 players went under the hammer. Franchises entered with a salary cap of INR 5 crore each, adjusted based on retained players, leading to a spending spree that saw 10 players cross the INR 1 crore mark—a new benchmark for the league. Notably, every champion player from previous seasons was available in the auction pool, adding intrigue as teams scrambled to rebuild their rosters.
Key highlights included Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh fetching top bids, with teams like Gujarat Giants and Haryana Steelers eyeing his title-winning prowess from prior seasons. Raiders like Devank Dalal joined Bengal Warriorz for INR 2.205 crore after a breakout Season 11, while veterans such as Pardeep Narwal and Siddharth Desai surprisingly went unsold, signaling a youth-focused shift in the league. A total of 121 players were sold, with franchises balancing elite raiders, sturdy defenders, and promising all-rounders to form squads of 18 to 25 players each.
Teams retained core players strategically before the auction, with Patna Pirates holding onto defenders like Hamid Mirzaei Nader and raiders such as Sudhakar M, while Puneri Paltan kept much of their championship-winning lineup from earlier seasons. This auction not only redistributed talent but also ensured no single team entered as an overwhelming favorite, promising a balanced and unpredictable campaign.
Teams and Captains: The Contenders for the Title
PKL Season 12 features the familiar 12 franchises, each with refreshed squads ready to raid and tackle their way to the top. Defending champions Haryana Steelers, who clinched their maiden title by defeating Patna Pirates in the Season 11 final, enter as favorites but face stiff competition from reloaded rivals. Here’s a quick look at the teams and their captains:
- Haryana Steelers: Led by a strong defensive core, they aim to retain their crown with key signings like Naveen Kumar.
- Dabang Delhi K.C.: Captain Ashu Malik continues to helm the side after a stellar Season 11, boasting a 15-match winning streak.
- Puneri Paltan: Retained much of their core, positioning them as perennial contenders.
- Patna Pirates: Three-time champions with retained stars, hungry for revenge after last season’s final loss.
- Bengaluru Bulls: New captain Ankush Rathee guides a squad with smart auction buys like Akash Shinde.
- Bengal Warriorz: Devank Dalal as captain, bolstered by Jang Kun Lee.
- Telugu Titans, Tamil Thalaivas, U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers, UP Yoddhas, Gujarat Giants: Each team has fortified their lineups, with overseas talents and young Indian prospects adding depth.
Standout players to watch include raiders like Maninder Singh (Bengaluru Bulls), who leads in raid points early in the season, and defenders like Fazel Atrachali (Dabang Delhi). The mix of experience and youth ensures rivalries will ignite, from Delhi’s high-scoring raids to Patna’s unyielding defense.
Schedule and Venues: A Nationwide Tour of Kabaddi Action
The season commenced on August 29, 2025, in Vizag, with double-headers lighting up the evenings—first match at 8:00 PM IST and the second at 9:00 PM IST. The league stage features 108 matches in a double round-robin format, where each team plays 18 games, spread across four host cities: Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi. This caravan-style setup allows fans nationwide to experience live action, culminating in triple headers toward the playoffs for non-stop thrills.
The full schedule is available on the official PKL website, with adjustments possible for logistics or injuries. Playoffs details, including eliminators and the final (expected in early November), will be announced later, but top teams are already jostling for positions in the points table. Early leaders like Dabang Delhi K.C. and Puneri Paltan have set a blistering pace with wins piling up.
Exciting Format Changes: More Action, More Drama
To heighten the stakes, PKL Season 12 introduces revamped rules for the first time. The simplified points system awards 2 points for a win and 0 for a loss, eliminating bonus points for close margins to make every raid count. Ties will be resolved via a comprehensive tie-breaker, including the Golden Raid format in all league-stage matches, ensuring no draws and constant edge-of-the-seat action.
The playoffs expand to include the top eight teams, with 5th to 8th placing sides competing in Play-ins before advancing to Eliminators. This structure keeps more teams in contention longer, fostering intense competition and giving underdogs a real shot at glory. Overseas player limits remain at 2-4 per squad, blending international flair with homegrown talent.
How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Details
Fans won’t miss a moment, as all matches are broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, making PKL accessible across devices. Highlights, live scores, and updates are available on the official PKL website and social media channels. Tickets for live matches can be booked via the PKL site or platforms like BookMyShow, with venues buzzing under the lights.
Why PKL Season 12 Matters: The Future of Kabaddi
PKL has not just entertained but also nurtured talent, with players like Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, and Aslam Inamdar becoming household names. Season 12’s innovations and competitive balance underscore the league’s evolution, drawing larger crowds and global attention. As Haryana Steelers defend their throne amid challengers like Dabang Delhi and Puneri Paltan, expect raids that shatter records, tackles that echo through arenas, and moments that define careers.
For the latest on the pkl season 12 starting date and beyond, stay tuned to official sources. Kabaddi fever is here—let the raids begin!