Eight teams battle for PKL Trophy as play-offs begin in Delhi

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 play-offs begin today in Delhi, featuring eight teams fighting for the title after 108 matches. Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi K.C. top the table

Hyderabad: The stage is set for the Grand Playoffs Festival of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 as the action shifts to the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi from October 25 to 31.

After 108 thrilling league-stage encounters across four cities, the competition now enters its decisive phase with eight teams battling for one trophy.

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The Playoffs Press Conference held in the capital on Thursday brought together captains of the top eight teams, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying finale to PKL’s 12th season.

The Play-ins begin on October 25, where defending champion Haryana Steelers take on Jaipur Pink Panthers in the opening clash, followed by Patna Pirates facing U Mumba in the second. The winners will move on to the Playoffs.

From October 26, the winners of the Play-ins will feature in Eliminator 1, while Bengaluru Bulls meet Telugu Titans in the Mini Qualifier. On October 27, Eliminator 2 will pit the winner of Eliminator 1 against the loser of the Bulls-Titans match, alongside Qualifier 1 between the top two sides for a direct berth in the final.

Eliminator 3 on October 28 will feature the winners of Eliminator 2 and the Mini Qualifier. The victor will face the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on October 29 for the second final spot. The grand finale will be held on October 31.

“Season 12 has truly redefined competitiveness in the Pro Kabaddi League – 48 of our 108 matches were decided by five points or less, and 27 in the last 90 seconds. The refreshed Playoffs will now continue the best of this intensity in the final week of the season,” said Anupam Goswami, Business Head, Mashal Sports and League Chairman, PKL.

The league stage saw tiebreakers introduced for the first time, intensifying competition throughout. Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi K.C. topped the table with 26 points each, while Bengaluru Bulls (22), Telugu Titans, Haryana Steelers, and U Mumba (20 each) followed closely. Patna Pirates scripted a remarkable comeback, climbing from bottom place to seventh, while Jaipur Pink Panthers claimed the final playoff spot in eighth.

“Playoffs are all about composure and clarity. We’ve worked hard to reach this stage, and our focus is to carry belief and discipline into the playoffs,” said Aslam Inamdar, captain of Puneri Paltan.

“In the Playoffs, every raid and tackle can change the game. Staying calm is my biggest strength — aggression can cost focus. We’ve fought hard all season, and we’re ready to give our best when it matters most,” said Ashu Malik, skipper of Dabang Delhi K.C.

Under the aegis of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), Mashal Sports and JioStar have built PKL into one of India’s most successful sports leagues, transforming the indigenous sport of kabaddi and its athletes on the national and global stage.