PKL 2025 Format Explained: Golden Raids & New Play-offs Rule in Season 12!

PKL 2025 Format Shocker

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 is set to return on August 29 with a brand-new format that promises more action, more drama, and more excitement for kabaddi fans. Season 12 will feature major format changes, including an expanded league stage, revamped play-offs, and the Golden Raid rule that ensures no match ends without a winner.

This year, PKL will travel to Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi, bringing live kabaddi to fans across India. With 108 matches lined up, every team will play 18 high-intensity encounters in the league stage.

What’s New in PKL 2025 Format?

1. Golden Raid Rule in League Matches

Previously used only in play-offs, the Golden Raid format will now be applied to all league-stage matches. This means no game will end in a tie.

• In case of a tie, a 5-raid shootout takes place.
• Each team nominates 5 different raiders who raid alternately.
• Special rules apply: no revival or all-out points, only raid points count.
• If still tied, a Golden Raid is held with a fresh toss deciding which team raids.
• If scores remain tied after the Golden Raid, a toss determines the winner.

This rule guarantees nail-biting finishes and adds extra intensity to every clash.

2. Simplified Points System

PKL Season 12 has introduced a straightforward points table:

• Win = 2 points
• Loss = 0 points

This will make standings easier for fans to track and bring more clarity to the playoff race.

3. Revamped Play-offs With Play-ins

The new format ensures that more teams get a chance to fight for the trophy:

• Top 8 teams qualify for the play-offs.
• Teams ranked 5th to 8th play in Play-in matches. Winners move into Eliminators.
• Teams ranked 3rd & 4th face off in a Mini-Qualifier.
• Top 2 teams play Qualifier 1, with the winner heading straight to the Final.

This means the play-offs will now feature three Eliminators and two Qualifiers, keeping fans hooked until the final whistle.

Why These Changes Matter for Fans

The Pro Kabaddi League has always been about high-intensity action, and these changes ensure:

• No dull ties – every game has a winner.
• More teams in contention – increasing competitiveness.
• Simpler standings – fans can follow the table without confusion.
• Bigger stakes – each league-stage match now carries more weight.

With Golden Raids and Play-ins, PKL Season 12 is set to be the most thrilling edition yet.

The PKL 2025 Season 12 format changes are designed to make kabaddi more exciting than ever. With the introduction of Golden Raids in league matches, a revamped playoff structure, and a simplified points system, fans can expect 108 matches of non-stop action starting August 29.

Get ready, because this season of the Pro Kabaddi League promises unpredictable results, edge-of-the-seat finishes, and the ultimate kabaddi entertainment.