Pro Kabaddi League 2025: PKL Season 12 Unveils Format Changes | See What's New

Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 16:16 IST

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 starts August 29 with new format, 108 matches, Golden Raid tie-breakers, simplified points and expanded play-offs in Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai and Delhi.

Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 (X)

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) announced major format changes for Season 12, starting on August 29. These changes include an enhanced league stage and a revamped play-off structure to boost competition and offer fans more thrilling action.

This season, the PKL will travel to Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi, bringing the excitement of kabaddi closer to fans across the country.

The league stage will feature 108 matches, with each team playing 18 matches. This format ensures rigorous competition and high-intensity kabaddi action throughout the season.

What’s New In PKL?

A comprehensive tie-breaker rule system, including the Golden Raid format, will be introduced for all league-stage matches. Previously limited to play-offs, this rule now ensures decisive outcomes throughout the tournament.

In case of ties, teams will engage in a structured 5-raid shootout with special rules: both teams field 7 players, with the baulk line serving as a baulk line cum bonus line; each team nominates 5 different raiders who raid alternately; out and revival rules don’t apply—only points scored count. If still tied after 5 raids, the Golden Raid rule applies.

The Golden Raid format adds drama to crucial moments, where a fresh toss determines which team gets the decisive raiding opportunity. If both teams remain tied after golden raids, a toss decides the winner. This rule ensures decisive outcomes and heightened drama in every match.

The PKL has also simplified its points system. Teams will now receive 2 points for a win and 0 points for a loss, making the standings easier to follow.

This season introduces play-ins alongside a revamped play-offs structure. The top 8 teams from the league stage will have a chance to qualify for the play-offs, allowing more franchises to compete for the trophy.

The play-ins add significance to every league-stage position, making each match more crucial. Teams finishing 5th to 8th will compete in play-in matches, with winners advancing to the Eliminators. Teams finishing 3rd and 4th will face off in a Mini-Qualifier. The winner progresses, while the loser gets another chance in the Playoffs.

The top two league-stage teams (1st and 2nd) will meet in Qualifier 1, with the winner going directly to the final. The losing team will have another opportunity in Qualifier 2.

The play-offs process will now feature three Eliminators and two Qualifiers, ensuring a thrilling lead-up to the final showdown.

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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First Published:

August 22, 2025, 16:16 IST

News sports Pro Kabaddi League 2025: PKL Season 12 Unveils Format Changes | See What's New

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