The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12, starting on 29 August 2025, is set to bring fans a brand-new experience with major changes in format and rules. The league has introduced exciting elements like the Golden Raid, a Play-In system, and a simpler points table. These changes are designed to make the matches more exciting and the contest more balanced.
Bigger League Stage
This season, the league phase has been expanded and made more challenging. Each of the 12 teams will play 18 matches, leading to a total of 108 league games before the playoffs. The extended format gives every team a fair chance to prove themselves and also ensures fans get to enjoy more kabaddi action.
No More Draws – Golden Raid to Decide Winners
In past seasons, league games were allowed to end in a draw. But from Season 12 onward, that won’t be possible, each match will have a clear winner. Here’s how it works if scores are tied at full-time:
1. A five-raid shootout takes place.
- For the tie-breaker, each team fields seven players on the court.
- Each team selects five different raiders who will raid alternately.
- The baulk line becomes the bonus line for these raids.
- There are no outs or revivals, only the raid points count.
2. If scores remain level after the shootout, the Golden Raid comes into play.
- The toss-winning team gets one raid to score and win the game.
- If even the Golden Raid doesn’t decide the match, the winner is chosen through a final toss.
This system ensures that fans never walk away with an unfinished result and adds suspense to every close contest.
Simpler Points System
- Win = 2 points
- Loss = 0 points
The points system has also been simplified, There are no more bonus points for narrow defeats, making the league table easier for fans to follow and teams to plan their strategies around.
Play-Ins and Playoffs – More Teams in the Hunt
The path to the championship has been reshaped. Now, instead of just six, eight teams will move on to the knockout stage. The new structure is as follows:
- 5th to 8th place teams: They play in the Play-In matches, and the winners advance to the next round.
- 3rd vs 4th: They clash in a Mini-Qualifier, where the winner moves ahead and the loser gets a second opportunity.
- 1st vs 2nd: Clash in Qualifier 1. The winner goes straight to the Final, while the loser gets another shot in Qualifier 2.
This new system includes three Eliminators and two Qualifiers before the Grand Final. It keeps the tournament open and competitive till the very end, giving mid-ranked teams more opportunities to fight for the trophy.
Why These Changes Matter
The new format is designed to increase fairness, intensity, and fan engagement:
- A longer league stage gives teams equal chances.
- The Golden Raid and shootout system guarantee results in every game.
- A straightforward points table makes standings easy to track.
- Play-Ins allow more teams to dream of winning the title.
Conclusion
With the introduction of Golden Raids, Play-Ins, and a simplified points system, PKL Season 12 promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet. Fans can look forward to more games, more drama, and more chances for their favorite teams to shine. Kabaddi is all set for a new era, fast, fair, and fiercely competitive.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
