The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is officially set to kick off on Friday, August 29, 2025, promising a fiercely competitive tournament following a record-breaking auction where 10 players crossed the ₹1 crore mark. With 12 teams vying for glory, excitement is at an all-time high, especially as defending champions Haryana Steelers prepare to defend their crown after a stellar Season 11.
🗓 PKL Season 12: Key Highlights
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Start Date: August 29, 2025 (Friday)
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Number of Teams: 12
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Defending Champions: Haryana Steelers
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Full Schedule & Venues: To be announced soon
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Auction Milestone: 10 players fetched over ₹1 crore each
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League Commissioner’s Note: Mr. Anupam Goswami said this season could be "the most competitive one to date"
🔥 Top Squads to Watch
🛡️ Haryana Steelers (Defending Champions)
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Key Players: Naveen Kumar, Jaideep, Rahul Sethpal, Shivam Anil Patare
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New Faces: Zubair, Mayank Saini, Vishal S. Tate
🐃 Bengaluru Bulls
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Key Names: Ankush, Ahmadreza Asgari, Manjeet, Shubham Rahate (listed twice—likely a data error)
🐅 Tamil Thalaivas
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Star Signings: Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal
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Notable Internationals: Alireza Khalili, Moein Shafaghi
🟠 Puneri Paltan
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Top Players: Sachin Tanwar, Nabibakhsh, Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat
🦁 UP Yoddhas
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Defensive Stars: Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi, Mahender Singh, Sumit
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Raiders to Watch: Surender Gill, Bhavani Rajput
🎯 Jaipur Pink Panthers
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Power Duo: Manjeet Dahiya, Reza Mirbagheri
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Depth Players: Meetu, Mohit, Sombir
🛡️ Dabang Delhi KC
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Veterans: Fazel Atrachali, Surjeet Singh, Amir Bastami
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Raid Threat: Ashu Malik, Naveen
🐘 Gujarat Giants
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Iranians in Charge: Mohammadreza Shadloui, Milad Jabbari
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Home Talent: Parteek Dahiya, Ajith V Kumar, Rakesh
💥 Patna Pirates
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Big Buy: Maninder Singh
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All-Round Strength: Amin Ghorbani, Deepak Singh, Sombir
⚡ Telugu Titans
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Major Signings: Bharat, Vijay Malik, Shubham Shinde
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Youth Picks: Jai Bhagwan, Ankit, Aman
🔵 U Mumba
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Strong Defense: Rinku Sharma, Parvesh Bhainswal
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Iranians: Amir Zafardanesh, Ghorbani
🌊 Bengal Warriorz
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Veteran Return: Jang Kun Lee
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Newcomers: Devank Dalal, Omid Khojasteh, Matyu Kadam
💡 What to Watch Out For
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The Iranian contingent remains strong across teams, especially in Gujarat, Patna, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
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Major returns and trades like Maninder Singh to Patna Pirates and Pawan-Arjun combo at Tamil Thalaivas could shift dynamics.
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Young Indian talent like Surender Gill, Narender, and Parteek Dahiya will look to make an impact post-auction.
