By Overview
Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) officially began on National Sports Day (August 29, 2025), featuring a star-studded launch event at the heart of India’s sporting spirit. The occasion brought together legends from multiple disciplines, setting a high-energy tone for the new season.
Launch Event Highlights
- Attendees included_PADMA BHUSHAN badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, hockey icon Dhanraj Pillay, kabaddi star Pardeep Narwal, and Rajasthan Royals’ prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
- The launch ceremony began with the National Anthem—bridging India’s athletic legacy with kabaddi’s modern prominence on the world stage.Anupam Goswami (Business Head – Mashal & PKL Commissioner) emphasized that the launch embodies PKL’s purpose: “honouring our roots while taking kabaddi to new heights.”
What’s New in Season 12 Format
PKL Season 12 brings several format innovations:
- All matches now produce a result – ties in the league stage will be resolved via tiebreaker (e.g., shootouts).
- ‘Play-in’ Phase Introduced
- Top 2 teams → direct playoff qualification
- 3rd & 4th place → mini-qualifier
- 5th–8th place → play-in bracket to reach playoffs
Season Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 29 August 2025 (National Sports Day) |
| Opening Match | Southern derby: Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas |
| Format Enhancements | Tiebreakers, play-in phase |
| Broadcast Platforms | Star Sports Network & JioHotstar |
Summary
Launch with Legends: Pullela Gopichand, Dhanraj Pillay, Pardeep Narwal, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi inaugurated PKL 12.
- Modernized Game Format: No ties allowed—tiebreakers introduced even at the league stage.
- New Path to Playoffs: Introduction of a tiered play-in phase adds competitive depth.
- Opening Clash: Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas—a fitting high-stakes start to the season.
- Broadcast Reach: Fans can watch on Star Sports and JioHotstar for full coverage
Why It Matters
The launch pays tribute to India’s deep athletic heritage while ushering in PKL’s progressive future. By involving icons from diverse sports, the event elevated kabaddi’s national cultural resonance—marking a turning point for the league’s evolution and public engagement.
