Pro Kabaddi League Season 12: Latest Developments and Highlights
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12, which commenced on August 29, 2025, has introduced significant changes to its format, enhancing the competitive landscape of the tournament. The league stage now comprises 108 matches, with each of the 12 teams playing 18 games. This expansion aims to provide fans with more thrilling kabaddi action and increased opportunities for teams to showcase their prowess.
New Format and Playoff Structure
Season 12 has adopted an advanced tie-breaker mechanism and extended the Golden Raid format to the league stage, ensuring more decisive outcomes in closely contested matches. The introduction of high-stakes Play-ins and a revamped Playoff structure, involving eight teams, offers greater qualification opportunities and intensifies the competition as teams vie for a spot in the finals.
Season Kickoff and Venue Highlights
The season opened in Visakhapatnam on August 29, 2025, coinciding with India’s National Sports Day. The inaugural match featured the Telugu Titans against the Tamil Thalaivas at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium. This marked the league’s return to Visakhapatnam after a seven-year hiatus, bringing the PKL experience closer to fans in the region. Subsequent matches are scheduled across Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi, further expanding the league’s reach.
Coaching Milestones and Team Updates
On September 20, 2025, the Haryana Steelers secured a narrow 38-36 victory over the Tamil Thalaivas at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. This win was particularly significant for Steelers’ head coach Manpreet Singh, who became the first PKL coach to achieve 100 wins. The match showcased the resilience of the Steelers, who overcame an early deficit to clinch the win in the final moments.
In team developments, the Jaipur Pink Panthers have appointed Narender Redhu as their new head coach ahead of Season 12. Redhu, known for leading a young Patna Pirates side to the PKL Season 11 final, brings a fresh perspective to the two-time champions as they aim for their third title.
Player Injuries and Absences
The Tamil Thalaivas have been without their star defender Sagar Rathee, who is undergoing rehabilitation for an injury sustained in the previous season. The team management has confirmed that Rathee will rejoin the squad upon achieving full fitness. His absence has been felt in the Thalaivas’ defensive lineup, impacting their performance in the early stages of the season.
Similarly, the Bengaluru Bulls have faced a setback with the loss of promising New Young Player (NYP) Pirati Srivatejesh. The 21-year-old left raider sustained a right-hand injury during the pre-season camp and has been ruled out for the entirety of Season 12. Srivatejesh’s absence is a significant blow to the Bulls, who are striving to improve upon their previous season’s performance.
Upcoming Playoffs and Final Venue
As the league progresses, anticipation builds for the Playoffs, set to commence on October 25, 2025, at New Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium. The Play-ins will feature teams placed 5th to 8th battling for survival, with the winners advancing to the Playoffs. This structure ensures a dynamic and unpredictable path to the finals, keeping fans engaged until the season’s conclusion on October 31, 2025.
With these developments, PKL Season 12 continues to captivate audiences, offering a blend of strategic gameplay, emerging talent, and the enduring spirit of kabaddi.
