PKL Season 12 Kicks Off with Record Competitiveness

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 opened with 71% of the first 14 matches decided by 5 points or fewer, compared to 43% in Season 11. The week featured four tie-breakers and a Golden Raid, with only one match decided by over 11 points. Increased competitiveness, aggressive play, and high drama have thrilled fans, boosting TV and digital viewership significantly.

During the opening week of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, the competition has reached unprecedented levels, delivering some of the closest matches in recent years. Of the first 14 games, 10 were decided by five points or fewer, marking 71% of contests as nail-biters, compared to 43% in Season 11 and 50% in Seasons 9 and 10. The first week also saw four tie-breakers and a dramatic ‘Golden Raid,’ highlighting the increased intensity and aggression among teams.

Only one match was decided by more than 11 points, showing how evenly matched the teams are. Puneri Paltan Head Coach Ajay Thakur praised the league’s competitiveness, citing players’ improved fitness and the impact of new rules, while captain Aslam Inamdar noted that such tight contests push teams to perform at their best. Season 12 has also produced high drama, including a standout 21-point performance by Bengal Warriorz’ Devank Dalal and notable rivalries like Sunil Kumar versus Mohammadreza Shadloui.

On the broadcast front, the season opened strong on JioStar, with Opening Day TVR surpassing last year, a threefold increase in digital reach, and a 22% rise in total watch-time. Fans can anticipate even more excitement during Rivalry Week from September 15-20, including the Maharashtra Derby between U Mumba and Puneri Paltan on September 18.