PKL 12 Opening Night Sees Friends Face Off in Southern Derby

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 kicks off on August 29 in Visakhapatnam with a southern derby between Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans. Close friends Aslam Inamdar and Akash Shinde, key players for rival teams, will face each other on opening night but stress that their friendship remains strong off the mat.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 will kick off on August 29 with a high-voltage encounter between former Puneri Paltan teammates Aslam Inamdar and Akash Shinde, now on opposing sides. Bengaluru Bulls, featuring Akash after his transfer from Puneri, will face Puneri Paltan in the second match of the opening day. The league stage will run across Jaipur, Chennai, and New Delhi until October 23, with Vizag hosting the season opener.

Speaking during an Instagram Live series, Akash expressed excitement about leading a young Bulls squad under a strong coach, eager to prove themselves. He is also relishing the challenge of raiding against former teammates and top defenders like Mohammadreza Shadlou. Puneri Paltan captain Aslam, returning from injury, called the opening clash special, highlighting the energy of competing against Akash in a new city with thousands of fans.

Both players emphasised their mutual respect but promised fierce competition on the mat. Akash is looking forward to playing in Vizag for the first time, describing it as a fresh start in a new jersey.