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PKL 12 Playoffs: New 8-Team Format Changes Everything; Delhi Hosts Grand Finale on Oct 31

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 3 days ago | Oct 13, 2025 12:01 am IST
PKL 12 Playoffs: New 8-Team Format Changes Everything; Delhi Hosts Grand Finale on Oct 31

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is about to get seriously intense. A brand-new playoff format is shaking everything up, meaning more teams, more high-stakes drama, and a tougher road to the trophy. And guess what? It’s all going down in one city. Delhi is set to host the final league leg, every single knockout match, and the Grand Finale on October 31, 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Bigger Playoffs: For the first time ever, 8 teams will qualify for the knockouts, a big jump from the previous 6.
  • New ‘Play-in’ Round: Teams finishing 5th to 8th in the league will now have to battle it out in a brand-new elimination stage just to advance.
  • Delhi is the Hub: The final leg of the league stage and all subsequent playoff matches will happen at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium.
  • Final Date Locked: The PKL Season 12 champion will be crowned on October 31, 2025. Get ready.

So, What’s This New Format All About?

Look, the old system is gone. This year, it’s a whole new ball game. The top four teams on the table get a direct ticket to the playoffs. The top two will face off in Qualifier 1, where the winner goes straight to the Final. But the loser isn’t out; they get a second chance in Qualifier 2.

Here’s the thing. The real chaos starts with the teams ranked 5th through 8th. They enter a new ‘Play-in’ stage. It’s pure knockout kabaddi. Win and you move on to the Eliminators. Lose and your season is over. Just like that.

The Frontrunners and the Fighters

Some teams are already breathing a little easier. Aslam Inamdar’s Puneri Paltan has been on a tear, securing a Top 4 spot with an impressive 12 wins in 15 games. Dabang Delhi K.C. has also punched its ticket for a top-eight finish, guaranteeing them a playoff berth at home.

But for others, it’s a nail-biting finish. The defending champions, Haryana Steelers, are in deep trouble. They’ve hit a shocking five-game losing streak and now must win at least three of their last five matches to even make the top eight. It’s a similar story for the Bengaluru Bulls. The pressure is on.

Why Every Point Is Now Gold

You want to know how competitive this season is? A massive 51% of all matches have been decided by five points or fewer. Think about that. Every other game is coming down to the wire, to the last raid, to a single defensive error.

This isn’t just about winning anymore; it’s about surviving. Players like Naveen from Delhi, Vijay Malik from Telugu Titans, and Alireza Mirzaian from Bengaluru Bulls are carrying immense weight on their shoulders. One slip-up could mean the end of their team’s championship dream.

The final league leg kicks off in Delhi from October 11 to 23. After that, it’s do-or-die from the Play-ins on October 25 until the Grand Finale on October 31. Who do you think has what it takes to conquer this new format and lift the trophy at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium?