PKL 12: Major format changes, introduction of tie-breakers & other alterations in Pro Kabaddi 2025

PKL 12 raises the stakes with a more competitive, high-intensity format.

On Friday, the Pro Kabaddi League announced significant format changes for PKL 12, introducing an enhanced league stage and revamped playoff structure designed to intensify competition and provide fans with more thrilling kabaddi action.

The upcoming season is set to commence on August 29 in Vizag. After that, the caravan will move towards Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi, bringing the PKL experience closer to fans in India.

Changes in the format of PKL 12-

Enhanced League Stage Structure

PKL 12 will feature an exciting league stage with 108 matches, where each team will play 18 games. This format elevates the league by ensuring teams face rigorous tests throughout the group stage, while maintaining high-intensity Kabaddi action for fans.

It will also provide every franchise with substantial opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities.

Also Read: PKL 12: List of all captains in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Comprehensive Tie-Breaking System

PKL Season 12 introduces a comprehensive tie-breaker rule system, including the Golden Raid format, to all league-stage matches. Previously limited only to Playoff matches, this system now ensures decisive outcomes throughout the tournament.

In case of ties, teams will engage in a structured 5-raid shootout with special rules as follows:

• Both teams field 7 players with the baulk line treated as baulk line cum bonus line
• Each team nominates 5 different raiders who raid alternately
• Out and revival rules don’t apply – only points scored count
• If still tied after 5 raids, the Golden Raid rule applies

The Golden Raid format adds drama to crucial moments, where a fresh toss determines which team gets the decisive raiding opportunity. If both teams remain tied after golden raids, the winner is decided by a coin toss.

This new rule maintains PKL’s competitive spirit while eliminating tied results, guaranteeing decisive outcomes and heightened drama in every match.

Simplified Points Table System

As part of efforts to enhance clarity and accessibility for fans, the Pro Kabaddi League has simplified its points system for the upcoming season. Teams will now be awarded 2 points for a win and 0 points for a loss.

The revised format makes the standings more straightforward to follow, reinforcing the league’s commitment to providing a clear and engaging experience for its fans.

Also Read: PKL 12: List of all vice-captains in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Introduction of Play-ins & Playoffs Format Revamp

This season will also introduce a new playoff structure along with the Play-Ins. For the first time, the top 8 teams from the league stage will get a chance to qualify for the playoffs, opening up opportunities for more franchises to compete for the trophy.

At the same time, the Play-ins ensure that every league-stage position carries greater weight, making each match more crucial than ever.

Under the new structure:

• Teams finishing 5th to 8th will battle in Play-in matches, with the winners progressing to the Eliminators.
• Teams finishing 3rd and 4th will face off in a Mini-Qualifier. The winner advances, while the loser gets another chance later in the playoffs.
• The top two league-stage teams (1st and 2nd) will meet in Qualifier 1, with the winner going directly to the Final. The losing team will have another shot at the Final via Qualifier 2.
• The Playoffs journey will now flow through three Eliminators and two Qualifiers, ensuring a thrilling build-up to the showdown.

This new structure increases the intensity of the competition, keeps more fans engaged for longer, and raises the stakes in each match en route to the championship.

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