Pro Kabaddi League: Telugu Titans Face Tamil Thalaivas In Season 12 Opener; Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi Return As Venues

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to return for its 12th season from August 29, 2025 across four cities. The 2025 campaign will see the 12 teams battle for ultimate glory across Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai and Delhi.

The tournament opens at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, on Friday, with Telugu Titans facing Tamil Thalaivas and Bengaluru Bulls locking horns with Puneri Paltan in the second clash of the day.

On Saturday, August 30, the home side Telugu Titans will once again take the mat, this time against UP Yoddhas for the first match of the evening, before U Mumba take on the Gujarat Giants.

Meanwhile, Super Sunday will witness Tamil Thalaivas and U Mumba battle it out, as the reigning champions Haryana Steelers start their title defence against the Bengal Warriorz, closing out an exciting opening three days of kabaddi action.

The PKL's return to Vizag marks an exciting homecoming for the coastal city after a seven-year hiatus. This Andhra Pradesh stronghold last witnessed the thrills of PKL action during the sixth season in 2018, adding another chapter to its rich legacy of hosting the league since seasons 1 and 3.

The action then shifts to Jaipur's Indoor Hall, SMS Stadium from Friday, September 12, featuring exciting clashes between two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls, followed by Tamil Thalaivas taking on Bengal Warriorz. The Pink City holds a special place in PKL folklore, having been the proud host of the historic 1000th PKL match during the landmark Season 10 in 2023-24.

The third leg kicks off at Chennai's SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium on September 29. UP Yoddhas will face Gujarat Giants, while Dabang Delhi K.C. will face Haryana Steelers in a clash that will see Naveen Kumar face off against his former side.

The league stage of Season 12 will reach its crescendo at Delhi's Thyagaraj Sports Complex from October 13, featuring the Patna Pirates, who will battle Haryana Steelers, while U Mumba face off against UP Yoddhas. In an exciting return, the league rounds will culminate with triple headers, ensuring the fans get nonstop kabaddi action heading into the playoff stage of the competition.

The playoffs schedule will be revealed on a later date.

Pro Kabaddi League 2024 Final: Haryana Steelers Outclass Patna Pirates 32-23 To Win Maiden Title

Speaking about the upcoming season, Mr. Anupam Goswami, Business Head – Mashal & League Commissioner - Pro Kabaddi, said: “Season 12 marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of the Pro Kabaddi League. With a multi-city format, we are bringing top-tier kabaddi action to fans across the country, and also deepening our connection with core geographies. We’re particularly thrilled to return to Visakhapatnam, reinforcing our commitment to taking the league closer to its passionate fan base.”

Under the aegis and sanction from the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), Mashal Sports and JioStar have built PKL into one of India's most successful sports leagues. The Pro Kabaddi League has transformed India's indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes on the national and global stage.

For all updates on the Pro Kabaddi league, log on to www.prokabaddi.com, download the Official Pro Kabaddi app or follow @prokabaddi on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.

Thrill begins from first match: Rishank Devadiga

Speaking exclusively at the PKL pre-season Media Day, JioStar expert Rishank Devadiga commented on PKL's evolution:

“PKL has brought stability to the lives of young players. Coaches like BC Ramesh and Manpreet Singh are betting big on youth, and the game has become faster and more aggressive. Players like Devank (Dalal), who was impressive last season, are being rewarded. PKL has provided financial security—most Kabaddi players come from middle-class families, and now they’re getting name, fame, and fan support. This is all thanks to PKL and broadcasters like JioStar who are building the league’s visibility.”

Pro Kabaddi League: UP Yoddhas Seal Third Spot With Emphatic Win Over Bengaluru Bulls; Pardeep Narwal Enters 1800 Raid Point Club

Rishank Devadiga on season’s expectations and key teams and players to watch out for:

“In PKL, the thrill begins from the first match. Every team treats the opener like a final. On Day 1, four teams will clash—including the Southern Derby, which will be a treat to watch. I’m very excited, and I know the fans will be too. It’s hard to pick one top team. I’d name three—Haryana Steelers, who played well and retained strong defenders; Puneri Paltan, with key additions like Sachin; and Tamil Thalaivas, who also look well-settled. Last season saw defence dominance—like Shadloui’s brilliance—but this year, raiders like Devank and Ashu Malik will make headlines. It’s time for the raiders to reclaim the spotlight.”