Pro Kabaddi League 2025 vs 2024: A Complete Comparison
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 – Season 12 is here, and fans are buzzing with excitement. But how does this season compare to last year’s PKL 2024 – Season 11? Let’s break down the key differences, new changes, and which teams look stronger this year.
Major Changes from PKL 2024 to PKL 2025
1. Schedule & Duration
- PKL 2024: Stretched over 132 league matches across multiple cities in India.
- PKL 2025: Reduced to 108 league matches with a compact schedule from August 29 to October 23, 2025.
- Impact: Fewer matches mean higher intensity and less room for errors. Check the official PKL 2025 schedule on Olympics.com for full fixtures.
2. Venues
- PKL 2024: Matches hosted across 12 home cities of each franchise.
- PKL 2025: Matches limited to 4 venues — Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi.
- Impact: Centralized hosting improves logistics but reduces home-court advantage.
3. Format
- PKL 2024: Top 6 teams entered playoffs.
- PKL 2025: Top 8 teams qualify, with a new play-in stage added before eliminators and qualifiers.
- Impact: More teams in contention for playoffs, boosting fan engagement. 👉 Learn more on ESPN Kabaddi coverage.
4. Tie-Breaker Rule
- PKL 2024: Matches ending in ties remained as draws.
- PKL 2025: New “Golden Raid” rule introduced — a 5-raid shootout to determine winners. If still tied, a toss decides.
- Impact: No more boring draws; fans get thrilling finishes.
5. Player Drafts & Squads
- PKL 2024: Teams had mix of experienced raiders and defenders, but few international stars.
- PKL 2025: Teams focused on balance — blending Indian youth talent with foreign powerhouse players like Mohammadreza Shadloui (Iran) and Fazel Atrachali. Explore the Pro Kabaddi League Wikipedia page for team rosters.
Strongest Teams in PKL 2025
1. Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Defending champions continue to dominate with Arjun Deshwal leading raids.
- Strong defensive unit makes them a top contender again.
2. Puneri Paltan
- Retained core players like Mohit Goyat and Aslam Inamdar.
- Young squad with explosive raiding and all-round balance.
3. Gujarat Giants
- Under the captaincy of Mohammadreza Shadloui, they look stronger than ever.
- Known for their solid defense and Iranian flair.
4. UP Yoddhas
- With Pardeep Narwal (“Dubki King”), they remain a dangerous side.
- Improved defensive combinations make them playoff favorites.
5. Bengal Warriors
- Rebuilt their squad with a mix of youth and experienced stars.
- Expected to bounce back after an average 2024 season.
PKL 2024 vs PKL 2025 – Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | PKL 2024 (Season 11) | PKL 2025 (Season 12) |
|---|---|---|
| League Matches | 132 | 108 |
| Venues | 12 cities | 4 cities (Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi) |
| Playoff Teams | Top 6 | Top 8 (with play-in stage) |
| Tie-Break Rule | Draw allowed | Golden Raid (shootout) |
| Duration | 3+ months | ~2 months |
| Team Balance | Mostly Indian talent | More international stars blended in |
Final Thoughts
The PKL 2025 season is faster, shorter, and more thrilling than last year. With Golden Raid shootouts, more teams in playoffs, and powerhouse squads like Jaipur Pink Panthers, Puneri Paltan, and Gujarat Giants, this season promises non-stop kabaddi action. Fans can expect tighter games, unpredictable outcomes, and plenty of upsets.
👉 Which team are you supporting this year — the defending Jaipur Pink Panthers or a dark horse like Gujarat Giants?
For more kabaddi insights, visit our Kabbadi Sports Update
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