PKL 12 likely to introduce tie-breakers in league stage matches

Vizag to host the opening leg of PKL 12.

The Pro Kabaddi League is set to return for its 12th season (PKL 12), commencing on August 29, 2025, and promises fans an electrifying kabaddi experience across four cities. The 2025 edition will see the 12 teams battle for ultimate glory across Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi.

Pro Kabaddi League organisers are considering introducing tie-breakers in league stage matches from the upcoming season. According to Khel Now sources, the league administrators have put forward the idea, and it is likely to get approval, considering its effectiveness.

Fan engagement and fast-paced action are the keys

The Pro Kabaddi League is the second most successful franchise-model sports league in India after the Indian Premier League. With the Indian Super League in chaos, PKL organisers have taken proactive steps to ensure the league’s longevity.

The management has already taken initiatives to reduce costs by reducing the host cities from 12 to 4. They have also addressed the fan engagement part by reducing the total number of league matches from 132 to 108. Now, to make these league games exciting, they are planning to introduce Tie-breakers.

So far, PKL has only had tie-breakers in the playoffs, and its introduction in the league stage matches will add a new dimension. If this rule is implemented, then teams will give their best to win instead of trying to equalise the game in the last moments.

The move would also attract fans due to the fast pace of the match. Apart from this, if this happens, the excitement of the fans will not decrease in the middle of the season.

Tamil Thalaivas won the only tie-breaker in PKL history

Tie-breakers in league matches will be like a Super over in cricket, and fans will be enthralled to see it. The format of the Tie-breaker has not been clarified. Season nine saw the only tie-breaker, in which five raids from both sides were conducted.

Both teams will get five Raids alternating one after the other in a Pre-nominated order, with each being a do-or-die raid. All seven players will be on the mat during every Raid, and there are no outs or revivals. The baulk line will act as a bonus line, and crossing it will get a point. The team with the most points at the end of all raids will be declared the winner.

The season nine eliminator match between Tamil Thalaivas and UP Yoddhas ended in a tie (36-36) after 40 minutes. It were Thalaivas who outsmarted the Pardeep Narwal-led UP Yoddhas 6-4 in the tie-breaker.

It is not certain whether the same format will be followed or not, but fans would love to see it in the upcoming season.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.