(source: ProKabaddi Facebook)
Introduction to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
Welcome to the thrilling world of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in India, the premier professional kabaddi league globally. It’s not just a sport; it’s a spectacle that has captivated millions across the nation, blending ancient Indian heritage with modern, high-octane sports entertainment.
Launched in 2014, the PKL quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of India’s most-watched sporting leagues. Its success lies in its fast-paced format, star players, and the ability to bring a traditional Indian game into the limelight with a professional and exciting twist. Get ready for an action-packed season where every raid and every tackle electrifies the mat!
PKL Season 12: Teams, Schedule & Key Dates
The PKL Teams: Who’s Battling for Glory?
The Pro Kabaddi League in India Season 12 will feature 12 formidable teams, each vying for the coveted championship title. These franchises represent different regions of India and boast a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young talents from both India and abroad.
The recent player auction on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai saw some electrifying bids, with top players like Mohammadreza Shadloui and Devank Dalal fetching record-breaking amounts.
Defending champions Haryana Steelers will be back, aiming for a back-to-back triumph, facing stiff competition from consistent performers like Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, and Jaipur Pink Panthers, along with other strong contenders. Every team has strengthened its squad, promising an unprecedented level of competition!
India Kabaddi Match Schedule & Match List
(source: ProKabaddi Facebook)
Get ready to mark your calendars, Champs! The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is set to commence on August 29, 2025. While the detailed india kabaddi match schedule and match list with specific venues are still being finalized and will be announced soon, it’s confirmed that a total of 137 matches will be played throughout the season.
The league typically follows a double round-robin format, meaning each of the 12 teams will face every other team twice before the top six advance to the thrilling playoff stage. Keep an eye on the official PKL channels; I’ll share the full schedule as soon as it’s released!
Key Dates for PKL Season 12
Here are the critical dates to keep in mind for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12:
- PKL Season 12 Commencement Date: Friday, August 29, 2025. This is when all the high-octane kabaddi action officially begins!
- PKL Season 12 Player Auction: The highly anticipated auction took place in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1, 2025. This is where teams built their formidable squads, with several players fetching over INR 1 crore, setting new benchmarks for player value in the league.
- Full Schedule & Venues Announcement: The detailed schedule and host cities for the matches are expected to be announced soon by Mashal Sports, the league organizers. Stay tuned for these updates!
These dates lay the foundation for what promises to be the most competitive and entertaining season of the Pro Kabaddi League yet. “Wickets win wallets,” and being informed is your first step!
How to Watch Pro Kabaddi League in India Live: Streaming & Broadcast Info
Official Broadcasting Partners
For all the electrifying raids and powerful tackles of the Pro Kabaddi League in India, Star Sports Network is your official television home. As the long-standing broadcast partner, Star Sports ensures extensive coverage across multiple channels, including those in various regional languages, making sure every fan can enjoy the game in their preferred language.
This means you can tune into channels like Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada to experience the matches with expert commentary and in-depth analysis. Star Sports has been instrumental in taking kabaddi to millions of homes, solidifying its place as a major sport in India.
Stream India Download App Kabaddi for Live Action
(source: India Today)
If you’re looking to catch the Pro Kabaddi League on the go or prefer streaming, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar are your go-to digital platforms in India. Both apps provide comprehensive live streaming of all PKL matches, allowing you to watch every moment from your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
You can also download the Pro Kabaddi Official App (available on Google Play and other app stores) for real-time updates, video highlights, match reports, player statistics, and live fan polls during matches. It’s an excellent companion app for any kabaddi enthusiast, keeping you connected to all the action even when you can’t be in front of a TV.
Ready to get into the game, Champs? Download the official PKL app or visit the website now to stay updated on all the action!
- Pro Kabaddi Official App (iOS): Download NOW!
- Pro Kabaddi Official App (Android): Download NOW!
- Pro Kabaddi Official Website: Read more
India’s Dominance: How Many Kabaddi World Cups India Won?
India’s Record in Kabaddi World Cups
India’s reign in the Kabaddi World Cup (Standard Style), sanctioned by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), is nothing short of legendary. The Indian men’s team has an impeccable record, having clinched the title in all three editions of the tournament held to date.
In the inaugural 2004 World Cup, hosted in Mumbai, India showcased its prowess by defeating a formidable Iranian side in the final. They repeated this feat in 2007, triumphing over Iran once again on home soil in Panvel.
(source: International Kabaddi Federation)
The most recent IKF World Cup in 2016, held in Ahmedabad, saw India complete its hat-trick of victories, once again overcoming Iran in a fiercely contested final.
This perfect record against top international competition firmly establishes India as the undisputed global leader in standard kabaddi.
Beyond the IKF’s standard format, India has also demonstrated overwhelming superiority in the Circle Style Kabaddi World Cup, primarily championed by the Government of Punjab, India.
In the men’s category, India has lifted the trophy in six out of the seven editions played, showcasing a remarkable consistency in this distinct format.
The only time the men’s team didn’t win was in the 2020 edition, where Pakistan emerged victorious. Furthermore, the Indian women’s team has achieved a perfect record in the Circle Style World Cup, winning all three editions held to date.
Most recently, in March 2025, India further cemented its global supremacy by securing both the Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup titles under the World Kabaddi Federation format, in tournaments held in England.
This collective achievement across multiple formats truly highlights India’s comprehensive and enduring dominance in the sport of Kabaddi worldwide.
India’s Performance in Asian Games Kabaddi
India’s remarkable dominance extends brilliantly to the Asian Games, where Kabaddi has been a coveted medal sport since its inclusion in 1990. The Indian men’s national team has been a virtually unstoppable force, seizing the gold medal in an astounding eight out of the nine editions of the men’s tournament since the sport’s inception at the Games. For decades, they set an unparalleled standard, winning every single gold medal until the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang, where they surprisingly secured a bronze. However, they swiftly reclaimed their golden glory at the most recent Asian Games 2022 (held in 2023) in Hangzhou, China, by defeating formidable rival Iran in a thrilling final, reasserting their supreme authority in the continent.
(source: X @Sportskeeda)
For the women’s kabaddi event, which was introduced at the Asian Games in 2010, India has similarly achieved immense success, securing three of the four gold medals awarded. Like their male counterparts, their sole silver medal came in 2018, before they too climbed back to the top of the podium at the Asian Games 2022, triumphing over Chinese Taipei in the gold medal match.
(source: X @RadheyshyamBJP)
This astonishing consistency and ability to bounce back and reclaim the top spot across both men’s and women’s categories at the Asian Games firmly cements India’s position as the undisputed powerhouse of Kabaddi in Asia, showcasing their deep talent pool and strategic mastery of the game.
The Evolution of Kabaddi: A Timeline of Key Events
Kabaddi, a sport rooted in Indian tradition, has evolved into a spectacle of athleticism and strategy on the international stage. Below is a timeline highlighting the significant milestones in the sport’s history, showcasing India’s dominance and the growing global appeal of Kabaddi.
| Year / Date | Event & Significance |
| 1990 | Kabaddi’s Asian Games Debut: Kabaddi is introduced as a medal sport at the Asian Games. This marks the beginning of Kabaddi’s international prominence, establishing a platform for India’s long-standing reign at the Asian Games. |
| 1990 – 2014 | India’s Golden Era in Asian Games: Indian Men’s Kabaddi Team wins every single gold medal at the Asian Games. For over two decades, India cements itself as the undisputed powerhouse of Asian Kabaddi. |
| 2004 | Inaugural IKF Kabaddi World Cup Victory: India clinches the first IKF Kabaddi World Cup (Standard Style) by defeating Iran. This victory marks India’s global supremacy, setting the stage for future triumphs. |
| 2007 | Second IKF World Cup Triumph: India wins the second IKF Kabaddi World Cup, again defeating Iran. The victory maintains India’s perfect World Cup record and reinforces its leadership in the sport. |
| 2010 | Women’s Kabaddi Joins Asian Games: Women’s Kabaddi is introduced as a medal sport at the Asian Games. This expansion provides a new platform for Indian women to showcase their talent, broadening the sport’s reach. |
| 2014 | Launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL): Pro Kabaddi League is launched. The league revolutionizes the sport by bringing professionalism, glamour, and a massive fanbase to Kabaddi in India and globally. |
| 2016 | Hat-trick of IKF World Cup Titles: India wins the third IKF Kabaddi World Cup, defeating Iran. This victory solidifies India’s 3-for-3 record in IKF World Cups, highlighting its dominance. |
| 2018 | A Rare Setback at the Asian Games: Indian Men’s Team secures a bronze and Women’s Team a silver medal at the Asian Games. This rare dip in form highlights rising international competition and serves as a catalyst for future improvements. |
| 2020 | Circle Style World Cup Upset: Pakistan wins the Circle Style Kabaddi World Cup, marking the only time India hasn’t won this format. This event shows the growing competition in different Kabaddi formats. |
| 2022 (held in 2023) | A Triumphant Return at the Asian Games: Indian Men’s and Women’s Teams reclaim gold medals at the Asian Games. A triumphant return to form, reasserting India’s dominance in Asia. |
| March 2025 | World Kabaddi Federation World Cup Victories: India clinches both Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup titles (World Kabaddi Federation format) in England. This further solidifies India’s global reign across various international formats. |
| May 31 & June 1, 2025 | Record-breaking PKL Auction: PKL Season 12 Player Auction in Mumbai sees record-breaking bids for players like Mohammadreza Shadloui and Devank Dalal. The event underscores the league’s increasing financial muscle and talent valuation. |
| August 29, 2025 | Anticipation for PKL Season 12: Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is set to commence. The start of another thrilling season of India’s premier professional Kabaddi league, promising excitement and fierce competition. |
Meet the Stars: Kabaddi India Players & Captains
Key Kabaddi Indian Players Name to Watch Out For
The Pro Kabaddi League is a powerhouse of talent, showcasing some of the best Indian Kabaddi players who have redefined the sport with their skill, athleticism, and strategic brilliance. While the league sees new stars emerge every season, certain names consistently dominate the headlines with their exceptional performances:
- Pardeep Narwal (“The Dubki King”): He’s a living legend and holds the record for the most raid points in PKL history. His signature “Dubki” move is a treat to watch, and he has consistently been a top raider, leading Patna Pirates to multiple titles.
- Pawan Sehrawat (“The Hi-Flyer”): Known for his explosive raids and incredible athleticism, Pawan has been one of the most consistent and high-scoring raiders in recent PKL seasons. His ability to jump over defenders and escape tackles makes him a fan favorite. He also holds the record for the highest raid points in a single PKL match.
- Naveen Kumar (“Naveen Express”): This young sensation from Dabang Delhi K.C. is renowned for his quick raids and consistent Super 10s. He’s often called the future of Indian Kabaddi and has been instrumental in his team’s success.
- Maninder Singh: A powerful raider with a strong track record, Maninder has been a consistent performer for Bengal Warriors. His strength and ability to pick up points in crucial situations make him a vital asset.
- Arjun Deshwal: As a top raider in recent PKL seasons, Arjun has emerged as a key offensive player for Jaipur Pink Panthers, showcasing impressive raiding skills and consistency.
- Sunil Kumar: A rock-solid defender, particularly as a cover, Sunil Kumar is known for his strong blocks and tackles. He’s been a key figure in successful defensive units in the PKL.
- Nitesh Kumar: A prominent corner defender, Nitesh made history by being the first defender in PKL to score 100 tackle points in a single season. His ankle holds are legendary.
- Sachin Tanwar: A versatile raider who can also contribute defensively, Sachin has been a strong presence for Patna Pirates, known for his agility and ability to fetch crucial points.
- Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh (Iran): While not Indian, his impact on the PKL has been immense. He’s a formidable all-rounder, leading the tackle points charts in recent seasons and demonstrating exceptional defensive and raiding skills. His record-breaking bid in the PKL Season 12 auction further highlights his stature.
These players, along with many other talented individuals, continue to elevate the standard of Kabaddi and contribute to its growing popularity both in India and globally.
Who is the Current India Kabaddi Captain?
As of the latest available information, the current captain of the India national men’s kabaddi team is Pawan Sehrawat. Known for his dynamic raiding prowess and inspiring leadership on the mat, Pawan has been a pivotal figure for the national side.
He successfully led the Indian team to reclaim the gold medal at the Asian Games 2022 (held in 2023), demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and rally his teammates to victory. His extensive experience in the Pro Kabaddi League, where he has consistently been one of the top performers and often led his respective franchises, also makes him a natural choice to helm the national squad.
Read more: Kabaddi Online Games: Best Free Games to Play & Pro Tips
Conclusion: The Future of Pro Kabaddi League in India
season 12 of the PKL will start in August (source: PKL)
The Pro Kabaddi League in India has truly transformed the indigenous sport of Kabaddi, catapulting it from traditional mud courts to dazzling international arenas. Its journey since 2014 has been one of phenomenal growth, capturing the imagination of millions and becoming the second-most-watched sports league in the country, after cricket.
The recent record-breaking player auction for PKL Season 12, where 10 players crossed the INR 1 crore mark, is a clear testament to the league’s burgeoning financial muscle and the increasing value placed on its elite athletes.
Looking ahead, the PKL is poised for continued expansion and innovation. There’s a strong focus on nurturing grassroots talent, with initiatives like the Future Kabaddi Heroes program bringing in new blood. The league is also exploring various formats and fan engagement strategies, including potential changes to the caravan model to ensure wider reach and sustained fan interest across more cities.
The success of Indian kabaddi on the international stage, consistently winning World Cups and Asian Games titles, further fuels the league’s appeal and its ability to attract top international players.
With strong broadcast partnerships, growing sponsorship, and a passionate fanbase, the Pro Kabaddi League is not just a league; it’s a movement that is driving Kabaddi’s evolution and ensuring its place as a powerhouse in the global sporting landscape. The future promises even more electrifying raids, strategic tackles, and unforgettable moments for the Champs!
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FAQs about the Pro Kabaddi League in India
When does Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 start?
PKL Season 12 is officially set to kick off on August 29, 2025. Get ready for some thrilling action!
How many teams are participating in PKL Season 12?
A total of 12 franchises will be battling it out in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 for the championship title.
Where can I watch Pro Kabaddi League matches live in India?
You can catch all the live action on the Star Sports Network on television. For live streaming, tune into JioCinema or Disney+ Hotstar. Make sure you have the apps downloaded!
How many Kabaddi World Cups has India won?
India has a dominant record! In the Standard Style Kabaddi World Cup (IKF), India has won all three editions (2004, 2007, 2016). They have also shown immense dominance in the Circle Style Kabaddi World Cup, winning six out of seven men’s editions and all three women’s editions. Most recently, in March 2025, India also clinched both the Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup titles under the World Kabaddi Federation format.
Who is the current captain of the Indian national kabaddi team?
As of the latest information, the current captain of the India national men’s kabaddi team is Pawan Sehrawat.
What is the Pro Kabaddi League official app for live updates?
You can download the Pro Kabaddi Official App from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) for live updates, match highlights, fixtures, results, and more. It’s a must-have for every Kabaddi fan!
