When Pro Kabaddi League announced the start of Season 12Visakhapatnam on Friday, August 29, 2025 – India's National Sports Day – the buzz in stadiums across the country was palpable. The opening clash at Vishwanadh Sports Club saw the Telugu Titans take on the Tamil Thalaivas, setting the tone for a marathon of 108 league‑stage matches that will snake through Jaipur, Chennai and end in the capital.
Season launch and travelling schedule
Organised by Mashal Sports, the tournament will roll from the coastal vibes of Visakhapatnam to the pink‑hued streets of Jaipur, then to the cultural hub of Chennai before parking in Delhi for the decisive fixtures. All match times follow Indian Standard Time (UTC+5:30), which means overseas fans will need to adjust their alarms.
Key dates to bookmark:
- Opening day – August 29, 2025 (Visakhapatnam)
- League‑stage finale – early October, Delhi
- Eliminator 3 – October 28, 2025, 20:00 IST (Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium)
- Qualifier 2 – October 29, 2025, 20:00 IST (same venue)
- Championship Final – October 31, 2025, 20:00 IST (Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium)
Team line‑up and leadership
All twelve franchises return, each equipped with a fresh coaching panel and a captain ready to shoulder the raiding and defending responsibilities. A few highlights:
- Bengal Warriorz – coached by Naveen Kumar, head coach, with Devank Dalal as captain.
- Haryana Steelers – the defending champions, led by coach Manpreet Singh and skipper Jaideep Dahiya.
- Dabang Delhi K.C. – steered by coach Joginder Narwal, captain Ashu Malik.
- UP Yoddhas – coached by Jasvir Singh, captain Sumit Sangwan.
- And the rest – Bengaluru Bulls, Gujarat Giants, Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, Telugu Titans, U Mumba – each with a distinct blend of seasoned raiders and rising defenders.
"The spirit of Kabaddi is evolving, but the heart stays the same," said Anup Shukla, a former Pro Kabaddi star turned commentator, during the opening ceremony.
Key matches and the playoff road‑map
The schedule is a tightly‑woven puzzle. After the opening weekend, the league moves into a series of back‑to‑back fixtures that pit traditional powerhouses against underdogs hungry for an upset.
Mid‑October will see a flurry of high‑stakes games at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, including:
- Match 91 – Bengal Warriorz vs. Patna Pirates (19:30 IST)
- Match 92 – Tamil Thalaivas vs. Dabang Delhi K.C. (20:30 IST)
- Match 93 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs. UP Yoddhas (21:30 IST)
These encounters are crucial because the top six teams after the league stage secure a berth in the knockout phase. The Eliminator‑3 clash on October 28 will pit the 3rd‑placed side against the 6th, while the 4th‑vs‑5th tussle happens earlier in the day – a format that rewards consistency.
"Every point matters," warned Sanjay Kapoor, chief analyst for SportsRadar India. "The teams that manage player fatigue in the back‑to‑back weeks will have an edge in the playoffs."
Impact on fans and the broader Kabaddi ecosystem
Beyond the on‑court drama, Season 12 is expected to draw a record 1.2 crore (12 million) television viewers, according to the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). Social media chatter has already surged; the hashtag #PKL12 trended for 48 hours after the opening matches.
Local economies along the tour path reap benefits too. Hotels in Jaipur reported a 22 % occupancy rise during the week of October 12‑18, while food vendors near the stadium in Delhi anticipate a 30 % sales bump on final‑day match day.
From a development angle, the league continues to feed talent into the national squad. Eight players from this season’s roster have already been named in the provisional squad for the 2026 Asian Games, underscoring the league’s role as a talent incubator.
Looking ahead: what to watch for after the final
The championship finale on October 31 will crown the next champions, but the ripple effect will last much longer. Expect:
- Increased sponsorship deals – brands like Hero MotoCorp and Nexus Mobile are already eyeing post‑season collaborations.
- Potential franchise expansion – whispers in the industry suggest a thirteenth team could join next year, possibly from the northeastern region.
- Rule‑change discussions – the technical committee is set to review the ‘double‑raid’ clause after several controversial calls in the latter stages.
Whatever the outcome, the season reaffirms Kabaddi’s place in India’s sporting calendar and highlights how a home‑grown league can drive both entertainment and grassroots growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 end?
The league stage wraps up in early October, with the final three playoff matches – Eliminator 3, Qualifier 2 and the championship Final – scheduled for October 28, 29 and 31, 2025 respectively, all at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi.
Which team entered the season as the defending champion?
The Haryana Steelers clinched their maiden title in the previous edition and will look to defend it throughout the 2025 campaign.
How many teams are competing this season and who are the new captains?
All twelve original franchises are back. Notable captaincy changes include Devank Dalal taking over the Bengal Warriorz and Ashu Malik leading Dabang Delhi K.C.
Where were the opening matches of Season 12 held?
The inaugural fixtures took place at Vishwanadh Sports Club in Visakhapatnam, with the Telugu Titans facing the Tamil Thalaivas in the very first game.
What is the significance of the playoff venue?
All three playoff matches will be hosted at the state‑of‑the‑art Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, a venue known for its modern facilities and central location, ensuring maximum fan attendance and media coverage.