The Pro Kabaddi League has rolled out its 12th season, turning the summer heat of India into a frenzy of raids and tackles. Organized by Mashal Sports since 2014, the tournament now boasts a stable roster of twelve franchises, each battling for a slice of Kabaddi glory.
Opening Night and Early Action
Visakhapatnam’s Vishwanadh Sports Club set the stage on National Sports Day, hosting the inaugural showdown between the Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas. The match delivered the high‑octane start fans expected, with both sides showcasing aggressive raiding and solid defense. A follow‑up double‑header later that evening featured former champions Bengaluru Bulls taking on Puneri Paltan, reminding everyone why the league’s rivalries are so fierce.
Team Line‑up and Key Figures
All twelve teams from last year are back in the fray:
- Bengal Warriorz
- Bengaluru Bulls
- Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Gujarat Giants
- Haryana Steelers
- Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Patna Pirates
- Puneri Paltan
- Tamil Thalaivas
- Telugu Titans
- U Mumba
- UP Yoddhas
Coaching changes are already making waves. Naveen Kumar now steers Bengal Warriorz, with Devank Dalal as captain, while BC Ramesh takes the helm of Bengaluru Bulls, appointing Ankush Rathee to lead on the mat. Defending champions Haryana Steelers are guided by former Indian star Manpreet Singh, with Jaideep Dahiya wearing the captain’s armband.
The most talked‑about story from the recent Mumbai auction was the unexpected absence of Pardeep Narwal, the league’s all‑time top raid‑point scorer. Despite his record, no franchise placed a bid, sending shockwaves through fans and analysts alike and opening a strategic void for teams to fill.
The season follows a round‑robin format where each franchise faces the others once, totaling 108 matches. Scheduling follows a double‑header model: the first game kicks off at 8:00 PM IST, followed by the second at 9:00 PM IST. The itinerary roams through major Kabaddi hubs—Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi, and more—before climaxing with the grand finale slated for October 23, 2025.
Beyond the numbers, the league promises a blend of tactical brilliance and raw athleticism. Young raiders are eager to make a name, seasoned defenders aim to cement legacies, and coaching staff are experimenting with innovative formations. As the tournament unfolds, every point could swing a team’s playoff chances, keeping viewers glued to their screens.